Edward Leigh MP, the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See, expressed his surprise this morning at the news of the impending retirement of Pope Benedict XVI.
 
“I know I can speak for many Catholics in public service and others around the country when I commend the Pope for the work he’s done. The relationship between Great Britain and the Holy See is stronger now than at any time since the Reformation, and much of that is thanks to the determined efforts of the Holy Father.”
 
“We were all amazed by the tremendous response of the British public to the State Visit of Benedict XVI in 2010. I was deeply moved by His Holiness’s address in Westminster Hall, when his spirituality and immense intellect provided a thought-provoking insight into history, the nature of government, and the modern world.”
 
“While surprised and saddened by his departure from the Chair of Saint Peter, I am sure the members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See will join me in praying for the future health and wellbeing of Pope Benedict. We also wait in prayerful anticipation for the coming conclave when a new pontiff will be chosen.”
 
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See is a group of Members of Parliament and Peers with particular interest in fostering good relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See (as the Vatican is known in its diplomatic and international relations). Its membership includes MPs and Peers from the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, SDLP, and Scottish National parties, as well as cross-bench peers. Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, took over as chairman of the APPG in 2012 following the completion of many years’ service in that role by David Amess MP.