Pope Benedict confirms first papal UK visit since 1982

He is expected to visit Birmingham - as part of the planned beatification of Cardinal John Newman - and Scotland. Dates for the trip have not been set.

The Pope spoke of the UK's "commitment to equality of opportunity" for all.

But he criticised equality legislation which imposed "unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs".

No official itinerary has yet been drawn up but officials at the Vatican and in the UK told the BBC the visit was likely to take place in September.

Further details are expected early in March, a spokesman for the Catholic Communications Network said.

The Pope was formally invited to visit the UK by Prime Minister Gordon Brown last February. Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy also invited him to visit Scotland.