76% of UK taxpayers say they shouldn't pay for Papal visit

A survey published by the public theology thinktank Theos shows that the majority of Britons think that taxpayers should not have to cover the cost of the Pope's visit which will begin next week.

Over 2,000 adults took part in the survey which was carried out by research group ComRes. The survey says that 76% of taxpayers feel that they should not have to contribute to the cost of a visit to the UK by a religious figure. The visit by Pope Benedict XVI will begin on September 16 and will cost £10-12 million, according to the Telegraph. The survey, which is detailed on the Theos website, also says that 24% of people questioned do not agree with the visit. The survey results show that 79% don't have an interest in the visit, 29% think the visit will be good for Britain and 33% think it won't be. Paul Woolley, Director of Theos said: "The British public clearly has a problem with the funding of the papal visit, although this could be because they are unaware that in addition to being a religious leader Pope Benedict is also a head of state." "It is only a relatively small proportion of people who are actively opposed to the visit itself. On the whole, the public is more disengaged than hostile." Pope Benedict XVI will stay in the United Kingdom for four days. The first papal mass will be at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. Other events will be held at Hyde Park in London and Cofton Park in Birmingham. The papal visit is the first to the United Kingdom since 1982 when Pope John Paul II visited sixteen venues during a six day tour.