Channel 4's Head of Specialist Factual, Ralph Lee, has commissioned a 60-minute film about Pope Benedict XVI to be presented by Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

A long-term critic of the Papacy, Tatchell will challenge the current Pope's beliefs and positions on a range of issues including homosexuality, fertility treatment, contraception and the Catholic Church's handling of the paedophilia scandal.

The programme will examine the impact Benedict XVI's pronouncements have had on both the developing and Western world - with filming taking place across the UK, Europe and South East Asia.

The programme will give voice to a range of views on the Pope - featuring interviews with both critics and supporters.

Peter Tatchell said: "This will be a robustly factual programme that explores the Pope's personal, religious and political journey since the 1930s, as well as the motives and effects of his controversial policies.

"Some of the inspirations of my own human rights campaigns have been Catholic humanitarians, including the editor of the Catholic Worker, Dorothy Day, US anti-war activists, Fathers Daniel and Philip Berrigan, Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador and theorists of Catholic liberation theology such as Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff."

Ralph Lee, Head of Specialist Factual, said: "The Papal visit in September provides an ideal opportunity to examine the impact of Benedict XVI after five years in office. In keeping with Channel 4's remit to provide a platform for diverse and alternative perspectives, equality campaigner Peter Tatchell will assess the effect of the current Pope's teachings throughout the world and the conflict between some of his values and those held by modern Britain."

The programme, due to air in a prime-time slot in the autumn, is being made by Juniper. Samir Shah is the executive producer and the director is Chris Boulding.