[Shasown]

Protesters have gathered outside the main Catholic church in the UK to call for the Pope's resignation over clerical sex abuse. Carrying placards stating "Pope Protects Paedophile Priests - Resign!" and "Sex Abuse Cover Up - Pope Must Resign", demonstrators confronted the congregation as it left Westminster Cathedral in central London.

They claim that Pope Benedict XVI was complicit in protecting priests accused of child sex abuse from prosecution.

As such many object to the pontiff's planned state visit to the UK in September.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said that the Pope "bears personal responsibility for the cover up".

Last week, the Pontiff apologised to victims of child sex abuse in Ireland.

In a letter, he wrote: "You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry."

But many believe that more could have been done to prevent abuse and report those responsible to the authorities.

Some of the congregation in Westminster confronted Mr Tatchell and his fellow protesters.

Ellen Carhill, 66, an Irish Catholic, said: "The Pope will never resign, it is not possible. He can only apologise for what other people have done. Instead of letting it rest they are going to town on this. How are things going to get better if they prolong it?"