THE Pope yesterday thanked the British people for the “warmth of your welcome” as his historic four-day state visit to the UK came to an end.

Pope Benedict XVI has used the visit to apologise for the child sex scandal, meeting with abuse victims and acknowledging how the affair “seriously undermines the moral credibility” of the Church.

In forthright comments, he has attacked what he sees as “aggressive secularism” and the “increasing marginalisation” of religion in society, and railed against the limitations of celebrity, secularism and science.

The Pontiff has attracted huge crowds, addressing more than 50,000 people in Cofton Park in Birmingham yesterday and 80,000 in London’s Hyde Park on Saturday, and the trip has been seen by most Catholics as a great success.

Speaking just before leaving the country, he said: “Thank you for the warmth of your welcome and for the hospitality that I have enjoyed.

“During my time with you, I have been able to meet representatives of the many communities, cultures, languages and religions that make up British society.

“The very diversity of modern Britain is a challenge to its Government and people, but it also represents a great opportunity to further intercultural and inter-religious dialogue for the enrichment of the entire community.”

Prime Minister David Cameron described the state visit as “incredibly moving” and thanked the Pope for challenging Britain to “sit up and think”.