Scottish Catholic Observer

Vatican officials have reported that the change of plans is due to ill health.

However, in an interview the cardinal gave to German magazine Focus the cardinal spoke of the Godlessness of a section of English society claiming Britain was facing an ‘aggressive new atheism’ and that ‘Christians were at a disadvantage.’ He also compared Britain to a ‘third world country’.

A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales said the German-born cardinal was expressing a personal view and did not speak for the Vatican on the issue.

“The attributed comments of Cardinal Kasper do not represent the views of the Vatican, nor those of bishops in this country,” he said. “Clearly, they are the personal views of one individual.  Catholics play a full part in this country’s life and welcome the rich diversity of thought, culture and people which is so evident here.  This historic visit marks a further development of the good relationship between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.  We are confident that it will be a huge success.”

Cardinal Kasper, 77, had been expected in Britain as part of the Pope Benedict XVI’s entourage.