Vatican rules out Pope trip to Holy Land soon

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican ruled out on Monday a trip by Pope Benedict to the Holy Land until relations between the Holy See and Israel improved.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters a trip in 2008 was "out of the question" and there was "no concrete project" for a visit.

The Pope has a standing invitation from Israel to repeat the historic visit made by his predecessor John Paul in 2000.

Lombardi, speaking at a briefing on the situation of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, said a "general situation of pacification of the area" was needed before any Papal visit.

Lombardi said the Vatican was also still waiting for resolution of outstanding issues in relations between the Vatican and Israel before a trip could take place.

The Vatican and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1994. More than 13 years later there is still no agreement on financial and tax questions as well as the issuing of visas for foreign priests, particularly those from Arab countries.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Robert Woodward)