NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      JOHANNESBURG (CWNews.com) - South African President Nelson Mandela will meet with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican this week during his visit to Italy, South Africa's foreign ministry announced on Sunday.

      "President Mandela will be paying an official visit to Italy from 16 to 18 June," it said in a statement. "While visiting Italy, he will use the opportunity to pay an official visit to the Vatican where he will be received by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, for a Pontifical Audience."

      Mandela will also meet with Italy's President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro and Prime Minister Romano Prodi. Italy is South Africa's fifth largest trading partner.