But a papal spokesman later called the cross a "local issue" and not a Vatican concern.

Inside were several children and a man who looked elderly but who the papal spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, described as probably not much older than 40.

What about the book's dramatic assertions that will undoubtedly draw fire similar to comments in 1992, when a papal spokesman called Mr. Bernstein's scenarios "bizarre?"

On Sunday, however, the top papal spokesman, Federico Lombardi, said the Vatican had no objections.

In delivering that shot, the papal spokesman seemed to suggest that the second-highest official elected by Americans was a hypocrite.

"This is an excess of success," said the papal spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls.

According to a papal spokesman, the control tower acknowledged receiving the message, and said it would be passed on to the Kremlin.

A papal spokesman was less direct, saying the Vatican was encouraging Turkey's "integration" into Europe.

Joaquín Navarro-Valls, the papal spokesman, described the site as "a fitting place to pray for peace."

A papal spokesman later said the cross was a "local issue" and did not concern the Vatican.