Pope Benedict XVI was on vacation when Condi callled. via richac1980

According to Corriere della Sera, the Pope denied Rice a meet-up in the Vatican. Both Benedict and John Paul II opposed the invasion of Iraq and support the rights of Palestinians and have voiced concern towards Christian treatment in Iraq. How much diplomatic mojo is Rice left with? She had # 2 on the land line, Tarcisio Bertone, whom she communicated the urgency of her visit. Pope # 16 might head out to the Oktoberfest where Condi can meet-up with him, good timing, because once a year Bavarians pretend to be open and multi-cultural. Did I mention beer?