London  - Pope Benedict XVI is to travel to Britain next year in what would be the first visit by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in nearly 30 years, the BBC reported Wednesday.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown reportedly invited the pontiff during a meeting in February, but the visit has not yet been confirmed by the British government or the Vatican.

The last visit was by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and was the first time a pope had come to the country since Henry VIII split from the church.

Benedict could also meet with Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Church of England.

The Church of England's Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams welcomed the idea of a papal visit. "I'm sure I speak on behalf of Anglicans throughout Britain, in assuring him that he would be received with great warmth and joy," he said.

An estimated 4.2 million Catholics live in Britain. (dpa)