London: The British government has offered an apology to the Pope over a secret document that, poking fun at his forthcoming visit to the country, suggested he launch Papal-branded condoms and bless a gay marriage.
The shocking proposals were part of secret papers prepared earlier this month. The proposals were leaked to The Sunday Telegraph.
The secret papers referred to proposals, including the Pope opening an abortion ward, doing forward rolls with children to promote healthy living, and performing a duet with the Queen.
The official documents had mocked the Pope's visit to Britain by suggesting he should bless a gay marriage and even launch Papal-branded condoms.
Those who received the document were left furious and a probe was promptly launched.
The Foreign Office on Saturday issued a public apology after being approached by the newspaper and an envoy met senior officials of the Holy See to express regret.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband was "appalled" to hear of the proposals, and he blamed "a colossal failure of judgement" by officials involved, a source said.
"This is clearly a foolish document that does not in any way reflect UK Government or Foreign Office policy or views. Many of the ideas in the document are clearly ill-judged, naive and disrespectful.
"The text was not cleared or shown to ministers or senior officials before circulation. As soon as senior officials became aware of the document, it was withdrawn from circulation.
"The individual responsible has been transferred to other duties. He has been told orally and in writing that this was a serious error of judgement and has accepted this view.
"The Foreign Office very much regrets this incident and is deeply sorry for the offence which it has caused," a Foreign Office spokesman was quoted as saying.
Rev Malcolm McMahon, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, said: "This is appalling. You don't invite someone to your country and then disrespect them in this way. It's outlandish and outrageous to assume that any of the ideas are in any way suitable for the Pope."
The document was circulated by a junior Foreign Office official.
In an emailed memo dated March 5, headed "Policy planning ahead of the Pope's visit", he invited senior colleagues to attend an "inter-faith meeting" the following week to discuss themes for the visit, the media report said.
Three "background documents", including the "ideal visit" list, which he said would form the basis of discussions, was attached to the memo.
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