Non-Catholics encouraged to take part in Pope's visit to Britain
As members of the public were invited to see Benedict XVI regardless of their faith, it emerged that he will meet Nick Clegg, who is an atheist, and Harriet Harman, whose Equality Act angered the Church.
The Government is keen to portray the four-day state visit as a historic event that will enhance the country's standing worldwide and to highlight the pontiff's commitment to social justice, in order to head off criticism over the costs and the child abuse scandal affecting the Vatican.