Pope says secularism on rise in Scotland

ROME, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Scotland's increasingly secular nature must be confronted by the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI told the nation's bishops.

Speaking Friday in Rome, the pope urged his Scottish bishops to "grapple firmly with the challenges presented by the increasing tide of secularism in your country."

The pope also confirmed he plans to visit Scotland later this year, The Scotsman reported Saturday.

Benedict said Scotland''s spiritual battle was the result of the country's rupture with the Roman Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation.

"The Church in your country, like many in Northern Europe, has suffered the tragedy of division," the pope said. "It is sobering to recall the great rupture with Scotland's Catholic past that occurred 450 years ago."

In response to the comments, Patrick Harvie, head of Scotland's Green Party, urged the pope to relax.

"I agree Scotland is a more secular society, but I think that's a very good thing for equality in all its forms and for all religions," Harvie said. "I would invite his holiness to relax about this social change and enjoy it."