Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issues official apology after a comedy skit on an Israeli TV program caused outrage among the Christian community.

The row has strained already tense ties between the Vatican and Israel, especially as Pope Benedict is planning to visit Israel in May–the first visit by a Pope to the Holy Land since John Paul in 2000.

The Catholic Church says the Vatican is reconsidering the visit. Reuters‘ Neena Dhaun reports.