Pope Francis is expected to make his first visit to Scotland to sign a charter against extremism.

POPE Francis is expected to make his first visit to Scotland to sign a charter against extremism.

The leader of the Catholic leader is understood to be a surprise addition to an event at St Andrews University in September.

It would be his first visit to the UK in three years.

Leaders from different religions, diplomatic and community leaders will all gather in the Fife town to sign a 10-point declaration calling on all faiths to unite against radicalsation.

It already has the support of Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.

The Pope has spoken out against the terrorist groups who brainwash vulnerable young people and draw them into extremist networks.

The Vatican has yet to confirm he will attend the event, but said the visit is “under consideration”.

Professor of religion and politics at St Andrews Mario Aguilar invited the Pope to take part in raising awareness of the charter against extremism.

He has met him several times and wrote his biography in 2014.

He said: “My understanding is that Pope Francis is interested and has put the event on his agenda of activities. I have had an indication his visit is being considered.”

A visit by the Pople, however brief, would be a huge coup for Scotland’s 850,000 Catholics.

But it would not be anything like the elaborate trip made by Pope Benedict in 2010.

Pope Francis could fly in to Leuchars then return to Rome on the same day. Aguilar stressed that he would be coming in a private capacity, to attend an academic event. “It will not be a pastoral visit.”    DailyRecord