Pope Francis' presence in Sri Lanka just days after Presidential polls could sully the image of the Papacy, feel some members of the clergy. (Associated Press)
Some Roman Catholic priests and lay people in Sri Lanka are seeking the postponement of Pope Francis' visit to the island nation in January, citing its closeness to a presidential election and possible violence linked to the polls.
Catholic leader the Rev. Leo Perera wrote to the country's bishops saying that in the past, days after elections have been marked by violence and Francis' presence in a period of turmoil could "sully the image of the papacy."
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his former ally Maithripala Sirisena are locked in an acrimonious campaign for the Jan. 8 election. Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive just five days later.
Christian Solidarity Movement says it has decided to write to the Vatican not to allow the pope to be "trapped" in politics.