THE Pope has been invited to East Lancashire and its world-famous Catholic college during a face-to-face meeting with Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

Mr Evans was among a delegation of seven British Tory politicians visiting Rome to meet their Italian counterparts.

Along with five fellow MPs and a baroness he attended a Mass for thousands in St Peter's taken by 78-year-old Pope Benedict XVI.

Thanks to their hosts, the English Parliamentarians were on the front row.

Unbeknown to Mr Evans and his colleagues, the Italian politicians had told the Pope of their attendance and he came over to speak to them.

Before he left Rome Mr Evans, an Anglican churchgoer, told the Evening Telegraph: "It was a rather splendid service.

"And then suddenly the Pope came over to us. He had been tipped off some British Parliamentarians were there.

"He spoke to us each in turn and when he came up to me I asked him to visit Ribble Valley and the historic 15th century Stonyhurst College.

"He smiled and moved on without giving a promise.

"But now I shall write to the Vatican to put the invitation in writing and hope that he might come and visit East Lancashire and this famous Roman Catholic school."

The move was welcomed by Stonyhurst director of marketing and admissions Jonathan Hewat. He said: "I am very pleased that Mr Evans has invited the Pope to come to Stonyhurst.

"I would be delighted if the Pope did come. It would be a marvellous occasion.

"In more than 400 years we have never had a visit from a Pope and it would be wonderful if we did."

Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "I think it is a splendid idea of Nigel's that would be welcomed by people of all faiths.

"It would be a great compliment to the area and to Stonyhurst if Pope Benedict came."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, himself a Roman Catholic, said: "We haven't had a papal visit to England since 1982. It would be a wonderful occasion."