Pope to visit Pakistan

Francisco is set to visit Pakistan this year in his first trip to the Islamic nation, officials said Thursday.

The invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, head of the Catholic Church spread ports and minister Shipping Kamran Michael - the only Christian minister in the current government - and Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Yusuf during a meeting at the Vatican last month.

Officials said the Pope accepted the invitation on behalf of Sharif. "It is true that the Pope has accepted the invitation and dates of travel, to be completed by mutual consultation," said an official of the religious ministry.

He said the pope will meet with Prime Minister Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain.

He also held extensive interaction with the minority Christian community in the country, mostly Catholics, besides visiting a church.

Christians in Pakistan are struggling to declare Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated in 2011 by demanding reform of controversial blasphemy laws of the country as a saint and expect a positive gesture by the Pope during the visit.