Help from above for the Pope

Pope Benedict XVI won’t have to worry about finding cheap flights for his forthcoming trip to the UK, thanks to a generous offer by easyJet to fly him for free.

The low-cost carrier said His Holiness could choose any of its routes between Rome and the UK, even throwing in free ‘speedy boarding’ to ensure he gets his preferred seat.

Its offer follows news that more than 7,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that taxpayers not foot the bill for Pope Benedict’s visit in September.

The airline vowed: “His holiness will be able to check in online, take advantage of the airline’s generous hand baggage allowance, sit back and enjoy the excellent customer service from our friendly cabin crew.

“In addition, the airline will also include free ‘speedy boarding’, to enable His Holiness to be amongst the first to board the aircraft and have a choice of seats.”

EasyJet claims to have contacted the Vatican press office and is awaiting a formal response.

The British press was up in arms yesterday following news that the Pope’s forthcoming trip – the first of its kind since 1982 – could cost the taxpayer as much as £20 million. Some 7,000 people have so far signed an online petition urging the government not to pay for the papal visit.

Pope Benedict XVI has attracted criticised in recent days after calling on Catholics to use “missionary zeal” to overturn equality legislation currently before Parliament.

However, analysts say it would be nothing short of a miracle if the Pope accepts the offer, mainly because the Vatican launched its very own airline in 2007. MistralAir operates charter flights to Lourdes for pilgrims, with a fleet that bears the slogan ‘I’m searching for your face, Lord’.

© Cheapflights Ltd (Creative Commons image: Pacopus / Flickr)

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