South Africa Foreign Relations Vatican

The Vatican announced Saturday that it will open full diplomatic relations with South Africa, clearing the way for an official papal visit to a country that far-traveled John Paul II has so far only glimpsed by mistake. The accord to formalize ties at the ambassadorial level with Pretoria adds to a string of recent initiatives that has extended the Vatican's diplomatic presence in some of the world's most contentious regions: It opened relations with Israel in December and with Jordan last week.

The Vatican announced Saturday that it will open full diplomatic relations with South Africa, clearing the way for an official papal visit to a country that far-traveled John Paul II has so far only glimpsed by mistake. The accord to formalize ties at the ambassadorial level with Pretoria adds to a string of recent initiatives that has extended the Vatican's diplomatic presence in some of the world's most contentious regions: It opened relations with Israel in December and with Jordan last week.

Nelson Mandela, in an audience Friday with Pope John Paul II, called on the Vatican to take a clear position supporting sanctions against South Africa to pressure Pretoria to dismantle apartheid. The Pope blessed the African National Congress deputy president in a cordial private audience, but a spokesman said the pontiff would not take a specific stand on sanctions.

Nelson Mandela, in an audience Friday with Pope John Paul II, called on the Vatican to take a clear position supporting sanctions against South Africa to pressure Pretoria to dismantle apartheid. The Pope blessed the African National Congress deputy president in a cordial private audience, but a spokesman said the pontiff would not take a specific stand on sanctions.