The BBC has been forced to defend its coverage of last week’s visit by the Pope after receiving 750 complaints from viewers.

There were 197 complaints from people who said the coverage had been too critical, while 169 people complained that it had been too favourable.

Another 384 people complained that the broadcaster had given the visit too much coverage, while 122 commended the broadcaster for its coverage, which included live broadcasts of the Pope’s arrival in Edinburgh, his keynote addresses and open-air masses.

The BBC justified its coverage in a statement.

“The visit by Pope Benedict XVI was the first ever state visit by a pontiff and was of huge historic significance to millions of Catholics and other people in the UK,” it said.

“It was entirely appropriate that the BBC, as the nation’s broadcaster, would provide coverage of the event.”

The broadcaster went on to say that it had been “absolutely right” to broadcast programmes which investigated issues negatively affecting the Church, including the child abuse scandals.

“In its news and current affairs coverage of any subject the BBC is always committed to impartiality and accuracy, seeking also to reflect the different sides of any debate,” it said.

“The coverage of the current Papal visit was no different, and careful planning went into making sure that we provided the most comprehensive and authoritative coverage for our audiences.”