![Popex390%281%29_3](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/popex390-281-29-3.jpg?id=32724993&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The British Foreign Office has apologized to the Vatican for a leaked memo from a junior staffer that mocked the Catholic faith and Pope Benedict XVI. The memo suggested that during his visit to the United Kingdom in September, the pope could bless a same-sex marriage and open an abortion clinic.
According to the BBC, a Vatican spokesman said the visit from September 16 through 19 is not in doubt despite suggestions the trip might be pulled. The Foreign Office expressed its regret to the Holy See for the memo, which also suggested that "Benedict" condoms could be issued to mark the visit, the first from a pope since 1982.
The memo, which said it took into account event the "most far-fetched ideas," was dated March 5 and invited officials in Whitehall and Downing Street to discus themes for the papal visit in a meeting, the BBC reports.
"It suggested Benedict XVI could show his hard line on the sensitive issue of child abuse allegations against Roman Catholic priests by 'sacking dodgy bishops' and launching a helpline for abused children.
"The document went on to propose the pope could apologize for the Spanish Armada or sing a song with the queen for charity."
The junior civil servant who wrote the memo has been placed on other duties.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Here are the 25 transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year
September 04 2024 3:35 PM
Ben Platt marries Noah Galvin in New York celebration
September 04 2024 3:15 PM
53 years ago, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became the first same-sex couple to wed
September 04 2024 2:27 PM
Even Republicans are against Tennessee’s trans health ban
September 04 2024 1:05 PM
And they're off! 8 things to watch for as the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear
September 04 2024 10:00 AM
Tim Walz to honor LGBTQ+ community at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (exclusive)
September 04 2024 9:00 AM
A Virginia college bans transgender students — based on language from the year 1900
September 04 2024 5:39 AM
Harris campaign, others call out Trump for holding events in towns with racist histories
September 04 2024 4:57 AM
Candace Owens claims TikTok makes men gay and causes women to hate them
September 03 2024 6:27 PM
16 LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows to watch in September 2024
September 03 2024 4:21 PM
Transphobic Texas Democrat finds home for bigotry in state Republican Party
September 03 2024 4:07 PM
Trans sprinter Valentina Petrillo loses at Paralympics, then delivers heartfelt message to her son
September 03 2024 3:54 PM
Praying the gay away didn't work, but loving myself did
September 03 2024 1:45 PM