China Bans Tours To The Vatican

According to a report yesterday by UCA News, in China the State Tourism Bureau has sent a directive to travel agencies instructing them to end tours to the Vatican.  Travel agencies were instructed to remove the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica from their list of tour destinations.  Any travel agency advertising those destinations will be subject to a fine equivalent to $45,430(US).  The directive apparently stems from the long simmering tensions between Beijing and the Holy See.