RELIGION: Pope Benedict XVI state visit: Pope speech and Queen's speech at Holyrood House

Palace of Holyroodhouse: EXT Alex Salmond MSP speaking with unidientified man (not heard) / Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict XVI along out of building followed by Prince Phillip / Pope and Queen / Queen along to podium Queen Elizabeth speech SOT - Your Holiness, I am delighted to welcome you to the United Kingdom, and particularly to Scotland, on your first visit as Pope. I recall with great pleasure the memorable pastoral visit of the late Pope John Paul II to this country in 1982. I also have vivid memories of my four visits to the Vatican, and of meeting some of your predecessors on other occasions. I am most grateful to them for receiving, over the years, a number of members of my family with such warm hospitality. Much has changed in the world during the nearly thirty years since Pope John Paul's visit. In this country, we deeply appreciate the involvement of the Holy See in the dramatic improvement in the situation in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere the fall of totalitarian regimes across central and eastern Europe has allowed greater freedom for hundreds of millions of people. The Holy See continues to have an important role in international issues, in support of peace and development and in addressing common problems like poverty and climate change. Your Holiness, your presence here today reminds us of our common Christian heritage, and of the Christian contribution to the encouragement of world peace, and to the economic and social development of the less prosperous countries of the world. We are all aware of the special contribution of the Roman Catholic Church particularly in its ministry to the poorest and most deprived members of society, its care for the homeless and for the education provided by its extensive network of schools. CUTAWAYs Pope listening / Queen speaking watched by Pope and Philip http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITN/2010/09/16/R16091019/