SCOTS victims of abusive nuns and priests are expected to meet the Pope next month. Organisers of the visit by Pope Benedict XVI have confirmed the matter is being seriously considered.
In the last two years, during visits to Malta, Australia and the United States, the Pontiff has held private meetings with people who have been raped or abused by the clergy.
Last night, a senior Scottish Catholic church source said: "It is definitely under consideration."
Any meeting is likely to take place in England because the schedule for the Pope's one-day visit to Scotland is full.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, has already confirmed "careful consideration" is being made to hold a private meeting with victims during the visit.
Pain It emerged at the weekend that Scots victims would be included in such an event.
Archbishop Nichols said: "There will be, as you have seen in previous visits, careful consideration given to whether it is appropriate for the Pope to privately meet with people who have suffered abuse.
"It is not seen as a way to use those who have suffered - whose pain is intense and continuing - to satisfy some kind of public agenda or public curiosity."
The 83-year-old Pontiff will spend three days in England after his visit to Scotland on September 16.
During the trip, Pope Benedict will hold a mass for almost 100,000 people at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow.
He will also attend a parade in Edinburgh.
SIC: DRUK