The Papal visit of Benedict XVI has caused concern in Whitehall over the planning and financing of the high-profile visit, the first papal state visit to Britain. David Cameron has appointed Lord Patten of Barnes, the former Conservative chairman, to manage the Government’s involvement in the events, which include a meeting between the Queen and Benedict XVI. The Daily Telegraph revealed on Saturday that more Government money will be put into the visit.
The Prime Minister has indicated he is now prepared to see the Government’s costs for the event, previously estimated at £15 million, increase by as much as £4 million in order to make sure it runs smoothly.
Insiders have also revealed that the Church itself will also be asked to increase its spending, in addition to the £5 million it has already raised.
Sources said the Catholic hierarchy is relaxed about being able to raise extra money for the visit.
Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, is leading the Church’s planning for the visit and is said to have “taken a firm grip” of the issues involved.
The precise amount of money the Church will be contributing is yet to be settled. Catholic leaders have privately reminded the Government that the visit, though of huge importance to Catholics, is formally a state event, since the Pope was invited to visit in his capacity as a head of state.
The Pope was invited to Britain in February 2009 by Gordon Brown when he was Prime Minister.
Whitehall insiders say that preparations for the visit initially progressed slowly and were badly managed, being put in the hands of a relatively junior Foreign Office official.
The highlight of the four-day visit will be the beatification of Cardinal Newman, the Victorian convert to Rome.
It will take place at Cofton Park in Birmingham in front of a crowd of 80,000.