Israeli PM not to meet Pope on trip to Italy

Israeli PM not to meet Pope on trip to Italy
October 21, 2013 - 17:52 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - An Israeli official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not meet Pope Francis on a trip to Italy this week, backing off from an earlier announcement that a meeting was planned, the Associated Press reported.

The official cited "logistical reasons" for the change. But the Vatican said a meeting had never been planned.

Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said Monday, Oct 21, "the Israeli premier is welcome, but this week the pope had other commitments."

Israeli media speculated that bad planning or an overzealous office worker were behind the initial statement. Last week, Francis met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Israeli official said Netanyahu's other scheduled meetings with Italian leaders and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry would take place as planned.

The AP said he spoke on condition of anonymity pending the release of Netanyahu's official schedule.

Related links:
http://ap.org
 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for October 21, 2013
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.
Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan.
Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan.
Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan.
---