John Paul II redefined papal travel by trekking to the most far-flung corners of the planet. In contrast, Benedict XVI, who was 20 years older than John Paul was at his papal election, sticks closer to home. Eight of his 14 foreign trips thus far have been in Europe, as are his next two: Portugal in May and Britain in September. But his focus on Europe is not principally a health decision for the 82-year-old Benedict, who has seemed energized by his few jaunts to South America, Australia and Africa. Instead, the Pope sees his European forays as journeys to hostile territory where he must try to counter the prevailing forces of secularism sweeping the continent.

As if on cue, Benedict's announcement in a meeting with British bishops Monday that he would make his first papal trip to Britain this fall was immediately followed by criticism of an equal rights bill making its way through Parliament that could effectively force Catholic organizations out of the adoption business because they won't serve gay couples. The church has also complained about the law's requirement that religious organizations strictly abide by non-discrimination clauses in the staff they hire. Benedict urged the Catholic leaders to oppose with "missionary zeal" the legislation that he says actually would "impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs. In some respects it actually violates the natural law upon which the equality of all human beings is grounded and by which it is guaranteed."

Reaction was swift. British newspapers featured the story prominently, calling the comments an attack on equality rights. "Some might like to see him cold-shouldered by the Queen and the government because of his outspoken statements," the Guardian said in an editorial, referring to Benedict's upcoming trip. "This won't happen. By then, after all, the pope is likely to be protected from such religious discrimination by the very equalities legislation he now sees as a threat to justice and the natural order of things." Meanwhile, the London-based National Secular Society said it would stage protests during the Pope's time in Britain. The organization also launched a "Make the Pope Pay" petition to deny public funding for the state visit, which the group estimates could cost upwards of $30 million.