THE so-called 'brainstorm' among junior foreign office officials about the Pope's visit to Britain later this year, illustrates yet again the apparent contempt for Christianity among people in authority in this country.

Perhaps the phrase 'lack-of-brain storm' should be applied to this particular piece of tomfoolery among junior members of the government department.

Not only was the whole thing distasteful - the Pope opening an abortion clinic, Benedict condoms, apologising for the Spanish Armada and blessing a gay marriage among other ideas - but one wonders who sanctioned these highly paid and privileged civil servants to play such puerile games.

No one forces anyone to believe in God or follow a particular religion. That is personal freedom.

But to the followers of the Catholic faith the Pope's visit is a deeply meaningful and special occasion.

They should be allowed to enjoy the visit without insulting memos from government departments jeopardising it.

It is only too obvious what an uproar there would have been if such lampooning swipes were aimed at Islam (and rightly so) yet Christianity is now seen as fair game for those who view the faith as little more than superstitious nonsense.

Catholics are already reeling from the abuse scandals of the past and it will take generations for that trauma to heal, if ever.

Yet Catholics have a right to have their faith - as opposed to a small number of its false practitioners - treated with due respect.