Pope John Paul II refused Tuesday to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, who is in Rome for talks with Italian officials on the crisis in the Middle East.
The Israeli embassy to the Holy See said Peres was told the pontiff was too busy, according to the Tel Aviv-based Haaretz.
Two weeks ago, John Paul met with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, a frequent visitor, for about 15 minutes – Albawaba.com
