The first ever state visit by a Pope to Great Britain will start in Edinburgh and move on to Glasgow where he is expected to celebrate Mass before 150,000 worshippers.
Pope Benedict XVI’s historic four-day visit will begin on September 16 when he flies into the Scottish capital.
He will be met by a member of the Royal Family, possibly Prince Charles, and the Prime Minister – whoever holds that office after the election.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy, who has been in charge of organising the visit on behalf of the Government, is also expected to be among the welcoming group.
Because of his age and health concerns, it is expected the 83-year-old Pontiff will travel in the Popemobile to awaiting transport to journey to Holyrood Palace to meet the Queen and dignitaries, including First Minister Alex Salmond.
From there, he is expected to travel by helicopter to Bellahouston Park in Glasgow to celebrate Mass before an all-ticket crowd.
The Pope will not spend the night in Scotland, instead he will head for London where he may stay at Buckingham Palace.
He is also expected to visit Oxford and his stay in Britain will culminate in Birmingham for the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the most celebrated Anglican convert to Roman Catholicism.
By celebrating Mass at Bellahouston Park, Pope Benedict follows in the footsteps of predecessor John Paul II in 1982. Full details of his visit are expected to be announced today.
