Friday, September 17, 2010

Pope's visit: No apology from aide who called Britain third world country

Cardinal Walter Kasper, the senior Catholic who prompted controversy on the eve of Pope Benedict's visit by comparing Britain to a third world country, has refused to apologise for his comments, his spokesman said today.

Kasper, 77, the Vatican's leading expert on relations with the Church of England, told a German magazine: "When you arrive at Heathrow you think at times that you've landed in a third world country."

Hours before the Pope flew to Scotland early today to start his four-day visit to the UK, Kasper's withdrawal from the trip for health reasons was announced.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the head of the Catholic church in Scotland, said he now expected an apology from Kasper.

"Sometimes we make awkward, difficult remarks ourselves," he told BBC Radio Scotland.

"And simply, if we do that sort of thing we apologise for it, and I'm sure Cardinal Kasper will apologise for any intemperate remarks which he made some time ago."

But Monsignor Oliver Lahl, Kasper's spokesman, said the cardinal considered the matter closed following a Vatican statement that claimed he was merely highlighting Britain's multi-ethnic makeup.

"Kasper meant to say there are people there from all around the world and you could be in Mumbai, Kinshasa, Islamabad or Nairobi," said Lahl.

"It was not a negative connotation, it was the opposite of racism. He meant the UK is no longer a mono-ethnic or mono-religious state, and can be a positive example for Europe."

Kasper also drew criticism for claiming in the interview that Christians in Britain face discrimination as an "aggressive new atheism" spreads.

"He was reacting to writers like Richard Dawkins, whose work is not simply academic," said Lahl.

"These books sell out, so it has become a social debate.

"Christianity is no longer protected like other religions in the UK and it is easier for journalists and writers to attack Christians.

"Atheism is returning after 20 years off the radar with a very aggressive agenda."

Lahl said Kasper's withdrawal from the pontiff's entourage was not linked to his interview.

"He pulled out of the trip last week due to his gout and cancelled all appointments."

An exception was made last night for a dinner at the German embassy in Rome, he added.

"He cannot walk at the moment, but he can sit, so he decided to attend."

SIC: TG/UK