Will Blair convert to Catholicism?

Prime Minister Tony Blair8217;s weekend appointment with Pope Benedict XVI has added to speculation that the British leader will formally become a Roman Catholic soon.

The Guardian reported today that an invitation for Blair and his wife to join the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O8217;Connor, for lunch at the Venerable English College in Rome is a signal the Roman Catholic church will take Blair into its fold. According to the report, Blair will be the first serving Prime Minister to visit the college, founded in 1579 to train priests for England and Wales. The Vatican press office said Blair will meet the Pope on Saturday. Blair8217;s office refused to confirm this.

As for reports that Blair is on the verge of formally becoming a Catholic, a spokesperson repeated the official line that 8220;he remains a member of the Church of England8221;. Blair had a previous papal audience with Pope John Paul II in 2003.

Speculation about Blair8217;s religious intentions increased last month when The Times reported that Father Michael Seed8212;who has shepherded other prominent people into the church8217;s fold8212;said at a recent memorial service that he expected Blair to formally declare his allegiance to the church after he steps down on June 27.