The Sri Lankan tour of Pope Francis that was due from 13 to 15 of January has to be cancelled in view of the prevailing situation in the country, the Vatican government has unofficially told the Sri Lankan government, say internal sources in the government.
The Vatican has intimated the decision through its Sri Lankan representative, Rt. Rev. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, who has been asked by the government not to mention this to the Sri Lankan media until the last moment, say the sources.
The prevailing political situation as well as the inclement weather have been cited as reasons for the cancellation of the papal visit. The government has asked the cardinal to make an announcement as a cancellation would have an effect on the pro-government Catholic voters.
Soon after getting to know about this, the president immediately summoned all Catholic leaders in the government and appealed to them to make maximum efforts, at whatever strategy and whatever cost, to get the Vatican to change its decision before it is officially announced.
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