16 September 2010Last updated at 10:07

In pictures: Pope visits the UK Day 1

On the first day of his visit Pope Benedict said he wants to "extend the hand of friendship" to the whole of the UK.

In Glasgow's Bellahouston park Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass with thousands of pilgrims.

On arrival at the park he is met by a cheering crowd, this is one of the biggest events of his visit.

The Pope conducts Mass in English. He speaks several languages and will speak English throughout his four-day visit to the UK

Pope Benedict kisses a young child who is passed to him.

Spectators in Bellahouston park, Glasgow, ahead of an open-air mass by Pope Benedict

Pilgrms in Bellahouston park wave flags as they wait for the Pope to lead an open-air Mass.

Susan Boyle performs at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow

Singer Susan Boyle takes to the stage at Bellahouston to warm up the crowds.

Tens of thousands of people cheered and waved flags as he travelled through the city centre in the Popemobile, although small protests also took place.

Pope Benedict XVI rides in the Popemobile down Edinburgh's Princes Street

Pope Benedict XVI, draped in a papal tartan scarf, rides in the Popemobile down Edinburgh's Princes Street.

The Queen with the Pope in Holyrood House

The Pope is officially welcomed at Edinburgh's Holyrood House by the Queen and Prince Philip ahead of a parade through the city and an open-air Mass in Glasgow.

Pilgrims begin to arrive at Bellahouston Park where the Pope will lead an open-air Mass.

The Catholic Church in Scotland had hoped to attract up to 100,000 to Bellahouston Park, but later reduced the capacity to 65,000 after a slow take-up of tickets.

Those wishing to remember the event can purchase official papal merchandise such as this scarf.

A billboard is lit up on a street close to Bellahouston Park, in Glasgow

A number of protests are expected during the visit. This billboard can be seen in a street close to Bellahouston Park in Glasgow.

The Pope is greeted at Edinburgh Airport by the Duke of Edinburgh, Catholic leaders and a 30-strong honour guard from the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Lord Patten also welcomed him on behalf of the government