Pope to visit Britain

LONDON, March 15 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI intends to make a historic visit to Britain next year, Vatican sources say.

The Daily Telegraph reported Sunday that the Catholic pontiff's visit would be the first papal visit to England in nearly three decades.

The British newspaper said the visit is planned to coincide with the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who is on the path to becoming the first British saint.

Details of the visit are still being planned. The Telegraph said a senior cardinal will make a private trip to Britain in the summer to make preparations.

The newspaper noted British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Prime Minister Tony Blair have each extended two invitations to the pope.