"Even in our own lifetimes we can recall how Britain and her leaders stood against a Nazi tyranny that wished to eradicate God from society and denied our common humanity to many, especially the Jews, who were thought unfit to live. As we reflect on the sobering lessons of atheist extremism of the 20th century, let us never forget how the exclusion of God, religion and virtue from public life leads ultimately to a truncated vision of man and of society and thus a reductive vision of a person and his destiny."
Two old queens and a pair of ruby slippers - you couldn't make it up
Pope Benedict XVI made his remarks in his opening address to the Queen at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, less than one hour after stepping off the plane. A statement from the British Humanist Association said: "The notion that it was the atheism of Nazis that led to their extremist and hateful views or that it somehow fuels intolerance in Britain today is a terrible libel against those who do not believe in God. The notion that it is non-religious people in the UK today who want to force their views on others, coming from a man whose organisation exerts itself internationally to impose its narrow and exclusive form of morality and undermine the human rights of women, children, gay people and many others, is surreal."
Recommended viewing: The Trouble with the Pope, Channel 4
Recommended viewing: The Trouble with the Pope, Channel 4
