The Papal Visit to the United Kingdom last year, exactly one year ago this week, was an extraordinary moment in the relationship between my country and the Holy See. It was the first State Visit by a Pope, and in the Prime Minister’s words “an incredibly moving four days for our country”. It emphasised the “common bond” between us. And the “common good” for which we work.
In his speech to me at my presentation of credentials, in response to my own, Pope Benedict made particularly warm remarks about his visit to the United Kingdom.
Many people will, this coming weekend, be reflecting on the importance of the Pope’s visit for them. I shall join a number of those involved at the celebratory Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Sunday 18 September. The question of legacy will be uppermost for many – what difference did the visit make to me?
For the British government, the answer is clear. We have become ever closer in our co-operation in international development issues, as witnessed by the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Mennini, at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation pledging event hosted by the Prime Minister in June, and by DFID Secretary of State Andrew Mitchell’s visit to the Holy See in May. We have expanded our political dialogue across a range of areas of common interest, from freedom of religion and expression, to events happening in many parts of this turbulent world. The Pope’s positive comments in his speech to me about the advances being made in Northern Ireland demonstrate that we are also engaging on issues closer to home.
Everyone will have their own answer to the question. But it is rare that a State Visit comes with a focus on values, and a motto – “heart speaks unto heart” – of such enduring resonance. That is what many in the UK will be reflecting upon this weekend.