VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II may make a two-day visit to Egypt at the end of February.

    Vatican officials have been discussing various possible dates for a papal trip to Egypt. To date, most plans have revolved around the Pope's March trip to the Holy Land and Jordan; he might extend that trip for a visit to Egypt. However, if that plan does not prove practical, the most likely alternative would be a special trip to Egypt alone during the final week in February.

    In a two-day visit, the Holy Father could realize his desire to travel to Mount Sinai, as well as to meet with Egyptian leaders in Cairo and representatives of the country's Coptic Catholic community, which boasts about 200,000 faithful.

    Father Roberto Tucci, the Jesuit priest who does advance work for papal trips, will travel to Egypt on January 13, to discuss plans for the Pope's trip with government officials there.

    Pope John Paul II would be the first Pontiff to visit Egypt.