John Bolton, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, will discuss the US-led conflict in Iraq with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

Bolton, who will not meet Pope John Paul II, is the highest-ranking member of Bush's administration to meet a Vatican representative since the outbreak of the conflict, to which the Holy See is firmly opposed.

John Paul II on Sunday called for a quick end to the war, saying he feared in particular for the "defenceless civilian population which is being severely tested in several cities."

The daily La Stampa said the US ambassador to the Holy See, James Nicholson, had been working to mend fences with the Vatican.

It pointed out that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had notably not sought a meeting with Vatican officials during a visit to Rome for talks with his Italian counterpart Antonio Martino on February 7.

SPACE.WIRE