Pope dismayed by support for euthanasia in Scotland, which he’ll visit later this year

Pope worries about Scottish support for euthanasia

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI says he is worried about support in Scotland for euthanasia as he prepares for a visit there later this year.

Last month a deputy in the Scottish parliament who has Parkinson’s disease proposed a bill to make it legal for someone to seek help to end their life.

Benedict plans to visit Britain, and told Scottish bishops in a meeting Friday that the pilgrimage will include a stop in Scotland. The visit is expected in September.

The Vatican considers assisted suicide a form of euthanasia, which is forbidden by Catholic teaching. The Vatican also opposes abortion and the scientific manipulation of embryos.