MP condemns 'despicable' memo mocking Pope

The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope’s visit to the UK in September is still on despite an offensive internal memo circulated within the Foreign Office which joked that “Benedict XVI” condoms could be made as part of the preparations.

Other proposals in the memo circulated by a junior clerk included asking the Pope to bless a gay marriage and open an abortion clinic.

The memo, obtained by The Sunday Telegraph, also suggested the Pope sack “dodgy bishops” and launch a helpline for abused children.

The MP tasked with planning the Pope’s visit, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy, said the contents of the memo were “absolutely despicable” and “vile”.

“They insulting, they’re an embarrassment, and on behalf of I think the whole of the United Kingdom we’d want to apologise to his Holiness the Pope,” he said.

Catholic convert and former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe said the incident was “severely embarrassing” for Britain and that it would only add to “already strained” relations with the Vatican.

She said: “I am sure both sides will be anxious to put it behind them.”

The Bishop of Nottingham, the Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon, told BBC News that the memo was a reflection of “appalling manners”.

The Pope is due to visit Britain from 16 to 19 September, after he was invited by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s first state visit to Britain would still go ahead, despite media reports over the weekend that it was considering cancelling the visit.

According to ANSA news agency, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the “case was closed” and that the memo would have “absolutely” no impact on the Pope’s intended visit.