The Vatican invited China to a meeting between the Pontiff and the representative of the People's Republic of China in Kazakhstan. Beijing refused.
According to Reuters, the Vatican sent a proposal to the Chinese side to organize a meeting between Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the pontiff's visit to Kazakhstan.
It is noted that Francis personally insisted on meeting with the Chinese leader.
"Francis is willing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping while both leaders are in Kazakhstan, but China has said there is not enough time for that," the agency said in a story.
Reuters said that nothing is known about the details of the Vatican proposal at the moment, but it is reported that China appreciated the move but cited a lack of time in Xi Jinping's schedule.
The pontiff had previously expressed his willingness to visit China.