Israeli premier’s last-minute request rejected

The Israeli Government has tried to deflect embarrassment after the Vatican rejected its last-minute request for what would have been the first meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis, writes Robert Mickens.

“As opposed to what was claimed, a meeting was planned this week between the prime minister and the Pope during his trip in Italy, but due to a scheduling conflict, it was postponed,” said a statement on Sunday from the premier’s office.

The statement was in response to diplomatic sources that told Israeli media the Vatican had rejected the late request because it was “insulting” and against protocol. The Vatican has made no comment, but normally meetings with the Pope are scheduled weeks in advance.

Mr Netanyahu’s office had only asked for the encounter on or around 16 October and announced it before receiving Vatican confirmation. Israeli President Shimon Peres formally invited Francis to make the visit last April when he went to the Vatican.

The President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), also officially invited the Pope to come to the Holy Land during talks with him on 17 October. The Vatican has confirmed the Pope’s intention to go to the region in 2014.