Pope Invites Nations Without Diplomatic Ties with Vatican to Establish Relations

Pope Benedict XVI has invited countries without diplomatic relations with the Vatican to establish ties soon.

Speaking today at the Vatican, the pontiff said he appreciated the messages received from some of those countries upon the death of Pope John Paul II and after his own election.

He did not name the countries, but China, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam are among the nations that do not have relations with the Vatican.

The pope also urged the world to overcome the temptation of clashes among cultures, ethnicities and different worlds.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.