By Rashini Mendis and Lakshmi Jayakody

pic via: facebook.com/news.va.en

Confusion reigns heavy over next January’s planned visit of Pope Francis, with the Catholic Church at crossroads, following the delay by the government to confirm, whether the presidential election is likely to coincide with the Pope’s visit.

Catholic Church spokesman Rev, Cyril Gamini told our sister paper Mawbima that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has written to President Rajapaksa asking the latter to inform the church about the date of election, which the Cardinal claims is an urgent necessity.

The Catholic Church earlier pointed out to the government that it was not appropriate for the Pope to visit any country at times of national elections.

Archbishop’s House Spokesman, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini told Ceylon Today that the Pope’s visit will be confirmed only after the official announcement of the Presidential Election by the Elections Commissioner. He said “nothing has been decided as yet and if an election is to be held in January 2015 the Catholic Church will reconsider the Pontiff’s decision to visit the country.”

He said in view of the election the External Affairs Minister should seek confirmation on the Pontiff’s visit, from the Vatican.

Courtesy:Ceylon Today