Pope Benedict XVI's Aide Cardinal Walter Kasper: UK is Like a Third World Country

Pope Benedict XVI's aide Cardinal Walter Kasper told a German magazine that landing at London's Heathrow Airport is like "landing in a third world country." The Catholic leader also stated that "an aggressive new atheism has spread through Britain. If, for example, you wear a cross on British Airways, you are discriminated against."

The comments were made at a time where a Papal visit to England and Scotland are underway. Needless to say, Kasper has come down with a diplomatic "illness" and will not be accompanying the Pope on the trip - even though he had previously made plans to do so.

The Catholic church is trying to be diplomatic and clean up their tainted image, which was damaged by various sex scandals. Approximately 80,000 people were expected to attend events featuring the Pope, but new reports show that 30,000 people aren't going to attend because of the comments made.

The controversy comes at a bad time for the Catholic church, who is trying to defeat claims of inappropriate behavior.