Pope accepts invitation to visit Pakistan

Islamabad: Pope Francis has accepted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s invitation to visit Pakistan this year, a media reported said on Thursday.

According to a message received on Wednesday from the Vatican, the invitation was extended by Ports and Shipping Minister Kamran Michael and Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yusuf, Dawn online reported.

Micheal led a high-level delegation for Rome to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican City on February 23.

The highest Catholic priest also offered special prayers for Pakistan and the Pakistanis who have fallen victim to terrorism.

The last pope to have visited Pakistan was Pope John Paul II in February 1981. Christians make up for 1.6 percent of Pakistan`s population, which accounts for about 2.8 million people.