Pope to deliver 'Thought For The Day'

Pope Benedict XVI will deliver BBC Radio 4's Thought For The Day this Christmas Eve in a major coup for the corporation.

The religious leader will deliver the address tomorrow morning at 7.45am, marking the first time he has ever presented specifically written material for radio or television.

The Pope's address follows almost a year of negotiation by the BBC with the Vatican, personally led by its director general Mark Thompson, who is a devout Catholic.

In September, the BBC also gave extensive coverage to the Pope's visit to the UK, including 10 hours of live broadcasting on BBC One and BBC Two.

Gwyneth Williams, the new controller of Radio 4, said: "I'm delighted Pope Benedict is sharing his Christmas message with the Radio 4 audience.

"It's significant that the Pope has chosen Thought For The Day to give his first personally scripted broadcast - and what better time to do so than on the eve of one of the biggest celebrations on the Christian calendar."

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Archbishop Vincent Nichols have all previously delivered Radio 4's Thought For The Day.