BBC defends Pope visit coverage

Pope Benedict XVI (GETTY)

The BBC defended its coverage of last week's state visit of Pope Benedict XVI after hundreds of viewers lodged complaints.

Figures from the Corporation showed public anger fairly evenly spread – 169 viewers complained that coverage was too favourable, while 197 were concerned that it was too critical. There were also 384 complaints from viewers who felt there was saturation coverage.

A spokeswoman said: "The Pope's visit was of historic significance for millions of Catholics."