The Roman Catholic church in Sri Lanka says it has asked the government to ensure that the country's presidential election does not conflict with Pope Francis' visit to the country early next year.

While a date has not been set, the government has said it wants to hold an election sometime in January. Pope Francis is to arrive in the island nation on January 13.

The Reverend Cyril Gamini Fernando, the spokesman for the pope's visit, said on Monday the church has told the government that Pope Francis won't visit a country during an election campaign, and that there should be enough time between a possible election and the visit.

During his trip, Pope Francis is scheduled to lead the canonization Mass for Sri Lanka's first saint, the Reverend Joseph Vaz, a 17th century priest. (NDTV)