Pope Benedict XVI state visit: day one: Pope and Queen speak at Holyrood Palace / Procession through Edinburgh

Pope Benedict XVI state visit: day one: Pope and Queen speak at Holyrood Palace / Procession through Edinburgh; Queen speech SOT - Religion has always been a crucial element in national identity and historical self-consciousness. This has made the relationship between the different faiths a fundamental factor in the necessary cooperation within and between nation states. It is, therefore, vital to encourage a greater mutual, and respectful understanding. We know from experience that through committed dialogue, old suspicions can be transcended and a greater mutual trust established I know that reconciliation was a central theme in the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman, for whom you will be holding a Mass of Beatification on Sunday. A man who struggled with doubt and uncertainty, his contribution to the understanding of Christianity continues to influence many. I am pleased that your visit will also provide an opportunity to deepen the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the established Church of England and the Church of Scotland. Your Holiness, in recent times you have said that ‘religions can never become vehicles of hatred, that never by invoking the name of God can evil and violence be justified’. Today, in this country, we stand united in that conviction. We hold that freedom to worship is at the core of our tolerant and democratic society. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom I wish you a most fruitful and memorable visit. CUTAWAYs Pope listening / Queen speaking watched by Pope and Philip / Rowan Williams and Nick Clegg listening Queen leaving podium as Pope rises / Clegg and Archbishop of Canterbury applauding / Pope along to podium