THE Pope dashed Tony Blair's hopes of a warm welcome to Catholicism - telling him: "Miracles are hard to come by in Britain."
The pontiff made the remark as the pair discussed the possibility of the philosopher Cardinal Newman becoming a saint.
But insiders said it was clearly intended as a putdown to Blair after a frosty 25-minute audience.
The outgoing PM presented the Pope with a framed set of antique paintings of Cardinal Newman, who left the Church of England for that of Rome in 1845.
It was an obvious reference to the PM's own desire to follow his wife and four children into the church.
But the two men disagreed over several topics during the audience, chiefly Iraq.
In a statement, the Vatican said their discussions had been a "frank confrontation".
As he handed over the paintings of Cardinal Newman, who is being considered for beatification, Blair told the Pope: "I believe you are very familiar with him and he is on the journey to sainthood."
Benedict replied: "Yes, yes, although it is taking some time - miracles are hard to come by in Britain."
Although he has formally remained within the Church of England, Blair has attended Mass for many years.
Meanwhile, Blair will continue his farewells by saying goodbye to movie star turned Govenor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger at Downing Street today.
Dailyrecord.co.uk|25 June 2007
Blair treads an awkward road to Rome