TWO BIRDS WITH ONE EGG?

The Guardian reported, "protests could increase after it emerged that Tony Blair, who has been pelted with eggs and cancelled two public events in the past week, is likely to accompany the Pope on part of his trip".

It turns out that if it were not for Mr Blair, this state visit may not be taking place.

It is reported "he was one of the first to support inviting the
Pope after paying three visits to the Vatican while he was the nation’s
political leader". Cherie Blair also had her own private audience with
Benedict. Following their visits, Gordon Brown met Benedict
XVI twice at the Vatican, once as Prime Minister last year when he
invited the Pope on behalf of the Queen.

In stark contrast, Tony Blair's predecessor, John Major never once visited the Vatican.

Seems that birds of a feather do flock together.