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Gay News: Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell is to present a documentary on Pope Benedict XVI for Channel Four Television.
By: Nigel Robinson
Peter Tachell and Pope Benedict
Peter Tachell and Pope Benedict
Tatchell tackles the Pope
The programme will be broadcast shortly before the Pontiff’s official visit to the UK in September and will examine the Pope’s religious and political journey since the 1930s.
"My aim is to make a robustly factual programme that explores the Pope's personal, religious and political journey since the 1930s, as well as the motives and effects of his controversial policies," said Peter Tatchell.
Tatchell has been a vocal critic of the visit and the Pope’s records on gay rights and has even called for Pope Benedict’s arrest.
However, he maintains that his programme will be evenly balanced in its exploration of the motives and effects of the Pontiff’s sometimes controversial policies.
"I intend to ensure that we hear the voices of the Pope's defenders, as well as his critics,” he said.
“I would like to interview the Pope himself. It would be ideal for Pope Benedict to be able to explain himself in his own words. But I doubt that I will be granted an audience.
"This will not be an anti-Catholic programme. I have great sympathy with grassroots Catholics who want a more open, democratic, liberal and inclusive church.”
Channel Four added:
"Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, a long-term critic of the Papacy, will challenge Pope Benedict XVI's beliefs and positions on a range of issues - including condoms, homosexuality and fertility treatment - and examine the impact his policies have had on both the developing and Western world.”
"Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, a long-term critic of the Papacy, will challenge Pope Benedict XVI's beliefs and positions on a range of issues - including condoms, homosexuality and fertility treatment - and examine the impact his policies have had on both the developing and Western world.”
