Tony Blair converts to Catholicism

Updated 12.21 Sun Dec 23 2007

Keywords: Roman Catholic, Tony Blair

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined the Roman Catholic faith.

He was received by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor on Friday, in a private service at the cardinal's residence in central London.

It was long speculated that Mr Blair would convert from Anglicanism after he resigned from Number ten in June

In a statement, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said: "I am very glad to welcome Tony Blair into the Catholic Church.

"For a long time he has been a regular worshipper at Mass with his family and in recent months he has been following a programme of formation to prepare for his reception into full communion.

"My prayers are with him, his wife and family at this joyful moment in their journey of faith together."

It was long speculated that Mr Blair, whose wife and four children are Catholic, would convert from Anglicanism after he resigned from Number 10 in June.

One of his final acts as Prime Minister was visiting Pope Benedict in June - his third trip to the Vatican in four years.

Mr Blair's spokesman declined to comment on the announcement, saying it was a private matter.

His former spokesman Alastair Campbell told reporters: "I am not at all surprised that Tony Blair has finally converted to Catholicism.

"I know it's something he's been thinking about and talking about among his friends and also among people in the Catholic Church for some time."

But the Conservative MP and Catholic convert Ann Widdecombe said she was "very baffled" that Mr Blair had converted after angering Catholics with his views on abortion and other issues while in office.