The German-born Pope will pay tribute to this country's Battle of Britain pilots when he arrives next week, 70 years after their sacrifices staved off the threat of Nazi invasion. Benedict XVI, who was forcibly drafted into the Hitler Youth during the war, is also expected to mention the damage done by German bombers during the Blitz and to pay his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
He will arrive in the country on Thursday – the day after Battle of Britain Day.
''The Pope's visit takes place during the anniversary of the Battle of Britain and during that time the country resisted with great courage,” said Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman.
''The British suffered extensive and large scale attacks by Nazi bombers. It was a critical period of World War Two with many lives lost.
“The Battle of Britain is a very important chapter in British history and it is natural that as the visit takes place during the anniversary, the Holy Father will make a reference to it.
''As everyone knows, the Pope is German and there will be a mention of these events from him.''
Benedict, 83, made a rare reference to Nazism and his wartime experiences last week when he recalled his days in the Hitler Youth. He was drafted into the militia in 1941 as a 14-year-old.
“We were closed in by a dominant power, we wanted to get out and enjoy the fullness of the possibilities of being human,” he said during a speech.
During his historic trip – the first state visit to Britain by a pope since Henry VIII broke with Rome in 1534 - the Pope will give the Queen a gift: a beautifully produced facsimile of a medieval document dating from the 8th and 9th centuries.
The Lorsch Gospels consist of illuminated religious manuscripts which were produced in Germany between 780 and 820 AD, during Charlemagne’s rule of the Frankish Empire.
They ended up in Heidelberg in the 16th century but were stolen in 1622 during the Thirty Years War.
In order to make them easier to sell, they were torn in two and had their covers ripped off.
The front cover, adorned with ivory panels, is owned by the Vatican Museums while the back, which shows a nativity scene, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Fr Lombardi also confirmed that the Duke of Edinburgh will meet the Pope when he lands at Edinburgh airport on Thursday.
It is believed to be the first time the Queen’s consort has been sent to meet a visiting head of state.
Father Lombardi said it was an unusual break with tradition and showed the importance with which the visit was being seen.
''Usually it is a junior member of the royal family or a minister but to have the Duke of Edinburgh at the welcome is very significant and most unusual,” the Vatican spokesman said.
The Duke will escort the Pope to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the pontiff will meet the Queen as well as senior politicians.
Protests are planned by equality campaigners, surviors of clerical sex abuse and secular groups opposed to the £12million cost to taxpayers of the four-day visit but Fr Lombardi insisted the Vatican is not worried about planned demonstrations.
"There are always demonstrations, even during other trips. In this particular case, the movement will be bigger because in the United Kingdom there are more atheist or anti-pope groups. This is the normal climate of a pluralist society like Britain's," he said.
Protestors are planning a march to Downing Street on Saturday 18th, just before the Pontiff holds a prayer vigil in Hyde Park.
However they have conceded that they cannot attempt to arrest the Pope for alleged "crimes against humanity" as the British government regards him as a head of state, conferring sovereign immunity upon him.