• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

Pope to meet Betancourt as soon as possible-Vatican

Fri Jul 4, 2008 10:54am EDT
VATICAN CITY, July 4 (Reuters) - Pope Benedict will receive former Colombian rebel hostage Ingrid Betancourt as soon as his schedule allows, Vatican sources said on Friday, without setting a date for the meeting.

The pontiff had repeatedly called for the release of kidnapped Colombians like Betancourt, a devout Catholic who made a wooden rosary bead set in the jungle that she used to pray with each day as a hostage.

He sent the French-Colombian politician a telegram following the surprise military operation that freed her on Wednesday after more than six years in captivity.

Before leaving Colombia for Paris, Betancourt had said she expected to meet the pope next week. Any meeting before the pontiff flies to Australia on July 12 would be an exception to his schedule, which had ruled out such audiences. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, editing by Ralph Boulton)


More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    PICTURES
    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    Oddly Enough
    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article 

    Global Markets