Pope Benedict is likely to meet some of the people abused by priests when he visits Britain in September, according to a Catholic church source.Involved in drawing up the itinerary for the 16-19 September visit, the source said he would be "surprised if it didn't happen" given the gaps left in Benedict's schedule, announced on Wednesday.
At 5pm on 18 September the pope will visit the St Peter's Residence retirement home in Lambeth, south London, to give a speech that the source said "will focus on end-of-life issues" – suggesting he will stress his opposition to euthanasia.
His previous commitment before visiting the home is mass at Westminster Cathedral at 10am – leaving him time that day for a possible meeting with victims of abuse by priests.
The pope met eight abuse victims during a visit to Malta in April, and he was reportedly reduced to tears. The meeting was part of the Vatican's response to the wave of abuse scandals that have damaged the Church.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, has previously said "careful consideration" was being given to organising meetings with victims during the pope's visit to Britain.
A British government source involved in the trip denied that the gaps in the pope's schedule were put there to give him plenty of resting time between appearances because of his age. "The pope may be 83, but this is a gruelling schedule by any standards," he said.
The 83-year-old pontiff is due to deliver 10 speeches and hold four masses during his visits to Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Birmingham, as well as meeting the Queen, David Cameron (for 20 minutes), and Nick Clegg (who will get 10).
SIC: TGUK