Many In Britain Have Negative Attitudes Toward Pope's State Visit

Several stories yesterday outlined the negative feelings among many in Britain about the Pope's visit that begins today.  Aol News reports that a large percentage oppose the government's plans to pay for part of the Pope's security and hotels, as it does when any other head of state visits. Also advocates for clergy sex abuse victims plan demonstrations in London this week end. A piece by John Laughland, studies director at the Institute of Democracy and Cooperation in Paris, published by Newsmax is titled "Vatican Shocked At Britain's Hostile Reaction To Pope." Laughland argues that "Britain has become one of the most virulently anti-Christian countries in the world."