Blair to become a Catholic
Blair: Read to 'do God' with Cherie?
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Friday, 22, Jun 2007 12:00
Tony Blair is "certain" to convert to Catholicism when he leaves Downing Street, friends of the prime minister have told the media.
The prime minister has made no secret of his religious faith and it has long been rumoured he would convert to Catholicism once he steps down.
Now friends of the prime minister have told a variety of newspapers that he will convert "sooner rather than later".
Mr Blair will meet with Pope Benedict XVI and it is expected he will discuss his conversion.
It was considered politically impractical for Mr Blair to openly convert to Catholicism while prime minister, given the sensitive role the faith has played in British politics and constitutional history.
Alistair Campbell famously said "we don't do God" and the prime minister was warned against ending a speech on the eve of the Iraq war with "God bless".
Catholicism is still greeted with suspicion in some quarters. Ruth Kelly's suitability to serve as communities secretary was brought into question due to her links to the Catholic group Opus Dei.
Many policies enacted by Blair's government appear to contradict with his faith. He legislated for same-sex civil partnerships and refused to concede an opt-out from equality laws for Catholic adoption agencies.
He has also refused to be drawn into the emerging abortion debate, but has supported faith schools and called for more links between churches and academies.
Before coming to power Mr Blair would regularly take communion at Westminster Cathedral before he was asked to stop by Cardinal Basil Hume.
He now frequently attends the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Great Missenden, Catholic church near Chequers.
Cherie Blair is a life-long devout Catholic and the couple have brought their children up within the faith, including sending them to Catholic schools.
Catholics are still barred from becoming sovereign or marrying a sovereign and there is a historical fear that Catholic politicians will hold a greater allegiance to the Vatican than the electorate.