Pope Benedict has announced plans for a visit to Britain. He is expected to say a special Mass at St Pauls Cathedral, then will dine with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and pay visits to the cathedrals of Canterbury, Salisbury, York and Worcester.
In a move that has surprised many in the Church, His Holiness and the Archbishop of Canterbury are also scheduled to become the Stars in a Reasonably Priced Car on the BBC's Top Gear, with the differences between Protestant and Catholic faiths to be settled by the quickest lap time in the Kia C'eed.
Pope Benedict is said to be an avid fan of the show, although he believes it has been in decline since around season 10 and would like the presenters to concentrate on more everyday cars.
Vatican officials have also been quick to point out that, contrary to popular belief, His Holiness is not The Stig and only wore the tee-shirt for a laugh.
