Detractors “appalled”
The Pope has faced a backlash after urging Catholic bishops in England and Wales to fight the UK’s Equality Bill with “missionary zeal”.
Pope Benedict XVI said the bill – which could end the right of the Church to ban gay people from senior positions – “violates natural law”.
But gay and human rights campaigners condemned his comments, and Labour MEP Stephen Hughes said he was “appalled”.
Gordon Brown said he respected the Pope but commenting would be inappropriate.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said Mr Brown had “enormous admiration and respect” for the pontiff, who will this year make the first papal visit to the UK since 19
The Pope told the Catholic bishops of England and Wales gathered in Rome: “Your country is well-known for its firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society.
“Yet, as you have rightly pointed out, the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs.