Reports: Blair Converts to Catholicism

12/22/2007

LONDON (AP) - Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has converted to Catholicism, a long-rumored move, British media reported Saturday.

Blair converted during a Mass held on Friday night at a chapel in London, Sky News, the British Broadcasting Corp. and the British news agency Press Association reported, quoting an unidentified spokesman.

There had long been rumors that Blair, a member of the Church of England who stepped down as prime minister earlier this year, planned to convert.

Blair's wife, Cherie, is Roman Catholic, the couple's children have attended Catholic schools and Blair had habitually attended Catholic rather than Anglican services.