Pope to Deliver BBC's 'Thought for the Day'

Pope Benedict has recorded a Christmas message specially for Britain following his successful state visit to the country in September, the BBC said on Wednesday.

It is the first time the pope has addressed a Christmas message specifically to one of the countries visited during the year, the state-funded broadcaster said.

The recording will be broadcast on Christmas Eve in the "Thought for the Day" slot on the Radio 4 current affairs programme "Today."

The pope, the global head of the Roman Catholic Church, visited Scotland and England for four days in September, drawing large crowds but also opposition from secular groups.