Pope Francis “snubbed” the Dalai Lama after deciding not to meet with the Tibetan leader while the latter is visiting Rome, according to British newspaper “Telegraph”.

The Pontiff will deliberately avoid meeting the exiled spiritual leader of Tiber in order to avoid causing friction with Beijing, according to analysts. The Dalai Lama will attend the annual meeting of Nobel Peace Laureates over the weekend.

“At this time it seems that such a meeting causes a minor problem in the Vatican administration. My principle is not to cause anyone trouble. It is certain, however, that I really admire Pope Francis”, said the Dalai Lama who was enthusiastically received by his supporters in the Italian capital.

In order to tone the matter down, the Vatican, on its part, did not confirm that there was a request for a meeting between the two. A spokesman for the Pontiff stated that the Pope has a very high regard for the Dalai Lama and that he will send a videotaped greeting to the meeting the Tibetan leader will attend.