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PHOENIX (AP) - The Diocese of Phoenix is denying a report that the Roman Catholic bishop of Phoenix is headed to the Vatican.

Rob DeFrancesco told The Associated Press on Sunday that a report in an Italian newspaper that Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted was going to Rome for a Vatican post is false.

Italy's La Stampa recently reported that Olmsted was slated to become secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. That office oversees religious orders in the world.

Officials say Olmsted was in Rome this weekend for a meeting.

Olmsted was appointed bishop of Phoenix in 2003, replacing Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien.

Image, video courtesy KPNX