Blair To Convert to Catholicism, The Daily Telegraph Reports
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Prime Minister Blair is planning to announce that he will convert to Roman Catholicism soon after he meets the pope at the Vatican tomorrow, according to church sources and friends of the British premier.
Mr. Blair, an Anglican, may even inform the pontiff of his intentions and seek his approval at the audience, which he is due to attend with his wife Cherie, a devout Catholic, and their daughter Kathryn.
Downing Street would not confirm the intended conversion last night. However, the Daily Telegraph understands that it is the prime minister’s firm intention to begin formal preparations as soon as possible after the handover of power to Gordon Brown next Wednesday. A source said, “It is clear to many people that this is now going to happen.”
It is likely that Mr. Blair would begin a private course of instruction with a spiritual director and would be expected to be formally received into the Catholic Church at a special service.
