'Man of sacristy' walks in shadow of John Paul II
ANALYSIS:Benedict's British visit should seek inspiration from the engaged spirit of Cardinal Newman, writes EAMON DUFFY
THE STATE visit this month of a reigning pope to Britain is a historically charged event, for Britain is officially, even constitutionally, anti-Catholic. The Church of England was called into being by Henry VIII to embody the claim that “the Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this realm”. The Act of Settlement of 1701, still in force, excludes “for ever” from the succession to the throne not merely any Roman Catholic, but anyone married to a Roman Catholic.
