About 50 protesters gathered near Westminster Cathedral Sunday to protest the pope's announced state visit to Britain later this year, as well as the Catholic Church's most recent sex abuse scandal.

Some protesters called for the pontiff to step down.

"Pope protected pedophile priests. Resign," read one poster held by a demonstrator.

"We are here to protest against the pope," said one woman. "We really think he ought to resign in light of the current allegations that he has covered up many, many, many counts of child rape and child abuse over goodness knows how many years. We really don't think he ought to be coming here at taxpayers' expense."

The demonstration was organized by a coalition of groups under the banner, "Protest the Pope."

Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to make his first visit to Britain in September.