Pope heads to Kazakhstan, says ready to visit China

(ANSA) - PAPAL FLIGHT, SEP 13 - Pope Francis said he was willing to visit China as he headed to Kazakhstan capital Nur-Sultan on Tuesday to start his 38th Apostolic Journey.
    When asked by journalists on the papa flight if he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his time in Kazakhstan, Francis replied: "I don't know anything about that, but I am always ready to go to China".
    Francis is visiting the Central Asian nation mainly to attend the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
    Xi is also visiting Kazakhstan this week.
    Pope Francis will return to Rome on Thursday. (ANSA).