Vatican brushes off story of move to arrest Pope in Britain

April 13, 2010

The Vatican has no plan to reconsider a September visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Great Britain, despite the highly publicized call for the Pope's arrest there. The noted atheist campaigner Richard Dawkins has suggested that the Pope be arrested and tried for "crimes against humanity."

Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that it was "very curious" to suggest the arrest of the Pontiff, who has sovereign immunity as the head of a recognized state. "For the moment it appears to be merely a stunt to get public attention," the Vatican spokesman said.

 

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Further information:

• Pope visit to UK will go ahead (ANSA)
• Atheist activist announces bid to have Pope Benedict arrested (CWN, 4/12)