16th - 19th September 2010

The Pope has returned to Rome after his four-day visit to the UK during which saw hundreds of thousands of people attending events and gatherings. During the state trip, Pope Benedict XVI spoke out about what he called the "marginalisation" of Christianity and the march of "aggressive secularism". He also met with some abuse victims and apologised for what he called "unspeakable crimes".

Politicians and church leaders are now assessing the impact of the historic visit. Read former nun and TV broadcaster Deborah Hollamby's moving account of what the Pope's visit meant to her, as well as thousands of other Catholics from across the country.

A Bluffer's Guide to Roman Catholicism

Want to know more about Catholic traditions of our Christian brothers and sisters, but don't know where to start? To tie in with the Pope's UK visit, Reverend Cindy Kent chats to Father Paul Keane for Inspirational Breakfast and offers a handy guide to five key pillars of the Catholic faith.

The first Pope, according to Catholicism, is said to have been Peter, after Jesus told the disciple he's the rock on which He will build his Church. But what does that mean? What is the main 'job' of being the Pope...?

Part Two: Confession & Absolution

The traditional trappings of the Roman Catholic confessional - the wooden box, the Priest behind a metal grille, the anxious penitent being cross-examined about their sins before they leave with a penance - has made it's way into numerous film and TV plots, especially the confession of murder and whether the Priest should tell the police. But what's the reality for 21st century Catholics?

Part Three: Mary

The saintly role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Catholic church can provide a sticking point for many non-Catholic Christians. More churches are dedicated to her, along with shrines built in her honour than any other figure in Christian history. But why do Catholics ascribe her this hallowed role? And if Mary was the mother of God, wouldn't she be God herself?

Part Four: Sex

Whenever abortion or contraception is talked about, the Roman Catholic voice is often heard louder than other Christians. And, over the years, there have been many clashes for Roman Catholics in their public life where they've had to make a real choice whether to follow their convictions or not. But when did the teaching on contraception begin?

Part Five: Transubstantiation

Almost all Christian denominations celebrate this sacrament known as 'The Eucharist' or 'the breaking of bread', the 'Lord's Supper' or 'Holy Communion'. Each name emphasises a slightly different aspect of the service. But there's another name for this service - 'Mass' - which is used mainly in the Catholic Church. But where did the name Mass first came from?

Premier Drive's Big Pope Issues

Premier Drive's Big Issue: What will the Papal visit mean for the Church at large? With guests Fr Michael McAndrew, Dr. Don Horrocks and Dr. Harry Hagopian.

Premier Drive's Big Issue: How has the Catholic Church responded to the abuse crisis? With guests Father Kieron O'Brien, Simon Bass and Dr Margaret Kennedy.

Premier Drive's Big Issue: Should celibacy still be compulsory for Catholic priests? With guests John Deery and Father Paul Keane.

Premier's Pope Features

The Pope has returned to Rome after his four day visit to the UK, during which hundreds of thousands of people attended events and gatherings. Premier's Victoria Laurence takes a look back at some of the highlights.

Pope Benedict XVI issued a message of thanks to the people of Great Britain ahead of his visit this week.

Saturday is the third day of the Pope's UK visit, and he'll address all those gathering in Hyde Park at the open-air vigil. The Catholic parents of murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen will take to the stage there. Barry and Margaret Mizen were asked to speak at the event before the Pope comes on the stage. Premier's Victoria Laurence spoke to Barry and started by asking him how they're feeling about speaking infront of thousands in the Park, and the millions watching it on TV...

Award-winning filmmaker Mark Dowd offers us a peak behind the scenes on his high profile BBC2 Pope documentary and reveals why his views on the man dubbed “God’s Rotweiller” have changed. Plus Catholic commentator and journalist, Madeleine Teahan, gives us the lowdown what’s in store for The Pontiff’s visit…

We delve into "the mysterious and secretive world of the Vatican" with Catholic commentator and historian Michael Walsh, whose new book 'The Cardinals' looks at Rome's "nearly men".

The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Most Revd Vincent Nichols, spoke to Premier's Marcus Jones about the visit including the abuse scandal, ticket sales and negative poll results, firstly revealing whether the Pope intends to meet victims of sexual abuse.

Premier's Unbelievable show hosted a debate entitled "Is the Catholic Church a force for Good or Evil?", with Catholic Peter D Williams & Humanist Andrew Copson.

Premier's Father James Cassidy explains more about the life of 19th century Cardinal John Henry Newman.

SoulFood team member Fiona O'Reilly talks about the similarities between their charismatic Catholic prayer group and many Protestant ones, and how the group are helping during the Pope's visit.

Papal Pictures

The Itinerary

Thursday 16th September: Scotland

When Pope Benedict arrives in the UK, he will visit Scotland where he will be received by Her Majesty The Queen, members of the Royal Family and people representing British society in the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh.

A St Ninian's Day Parade has been organised through the streets of Edinburgh to mark this historic occasion.

Having met the Queen, the Pope will travel to Glasgow where he will celebrate an open-air Mass at Bellahouston Park in the evening and then he will fly from Glasgow to London. The Holy Father will then be based in London for the remainder of the visit.

Friday 17th September: London

On the second day of the visit, Pope Benedict is going to St Mary's University College, Twickenham, where there will be three aspects to his visit. The first is that he begins the day praying with representatives of religious congregations - particularly those who have a charism for education and a history of education.

He will then go and meet 3,000 young people - schoolchildren, students - to celebrate Catholic education. From there he will then meet with religious leaders and people of religious faith in the Waldegrave Drawing Room. He will discuss with them religion and belief in our society.

Later in the day, the Pope is scheduled to meet with the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace in the presence of the Anglican diocesan bishops and the Catholic diocesan bishops of England and Wales.

He has then been invited, as part of the State visit, to address British society. Representatives of British society will be invited to Westminster Hall to hear the Pope's address.

He will finish off the day with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Christian leaders at Westminster Abbey to celebrate Evening Prayer. The Holy Father will also pray at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and also at the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor.

Saturday 18th September: London

On the third day of the visit, Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass in Westminster Cathedral where he will also, from there, greet the people of Wales.

At the end of Mass, the Holy Father will greet around 2,500 young people gathered in the Piazza to welcome him.

Later in the day he will visit St Peter's Residential Home for the elderly in Vauxhall, giving the Pope an opportunity to go to those who cannot meet with him, and then be present at an open air Vigil of prayer in London's Hyde Park.

Sunday 19th September: Birmingham

The final day of the visit is focused very much on the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, and the Pope will celebrate that beatification in Cofton Park in Birmingham - adjacent, fittingly, to Rednal where Cardinal Newman was buried and the place where Newman and his community came for rest and recreation in the Lickey Hills.

The Holy Father will then make a private visit to the Oratory of St Philip Neri, Edgbaston, Birmingham where he will be the first person to pray at the new shrine for the "Blessed" John Henry Newman as he will be then.

Pope Benedict will conclude the day by meeting with the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales in Oscott College before returning to Rome from Birmingham Airport.

Take a look at Premier's special Prayer Beads App for the iPhone

The Pope might not be on twitter yet, but with his visit last week the Roman Catholic community was alive on the social networking site and sharing their support of Benedict XVI. But what does the digital age mean to the Church and us as Christians today? Read more...