SURELY Robert Meggs wants it both ways in his letter about the Pope’s recent visit (HAS, Sept 29). But surely it’s illogical to condemn the Papal visit costs to the taxpayer and complain when that visit brings revenue to small and large businesses and so indirectly to the Exchequer.

People will eat, drink and buy mementos.

There’s a further inconsistency. His absurd interpretation of the Vatican-Iran diplomatic link as some clandestine religious plot to “plan the world’s future” is worthy of the most imaginative Dan Brown novel. Moreover, since when did diplomatic relations signify total acceptance of another country’s culture/policies?

Britain has diplomatic relations with China, which has a shocking human rights record.

But how do you progress in human affairs without talking?

Mr Meggs conveniently forgets that the son of Sakineh Ashtiani’s, the Iranian woman sentenced to stoning for alleged adultery, asked the Pope to mediate because of the Vatican’s successes in working through intractable issues.

The Papal visit has revealed the ugly face of cynicism, whose only recourse is abuse, vilification, alienation and hate.

What a contrast to the joy, harmony and goodwill of the multinational crowds, all united by the bond of the Christian faith.

Michael Baldasera, Darlington.