Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thought For The Day wants Pope Benedict XVI

The Pope could appear on BBC Radio 4's Thought For The Day slot if station controller Mark Damazer gets his way.

Pope Benedict XVI is due to visit the UK later this year in the first papal visit since Pope John Paul II in 1982.

Mr Damazer said the Pope was on his "fantasy" list of personalities he wanted to appear on the station.

Director general Mark Thompson, a practising Catholic, visited the Vatican two weeks ago and is thought to have raised the issue.

Mr Damazer joked that Mr Thompson was "much better qualified than me" to negotiate.

Thought For The Day allows a variety of religious speakers from various faiths to present topical thoughts and reflections.

The three-minute slot is broadcast daily at about 0745 as part of the Today programme.

Regular speakers include the Bishop of Southwark and Rabbi Lionel Blue.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is an occasional speaker but a papal appearance would be a first.

The BBC has resisted pressure to allow secular groups access to the slot.

"One day it may happen. It is just not going to happen for the time being," said Damazer.
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SIC: BBC