Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he plans to visit "as soon as possible" areas in central Italy struck by Monday's earthquake.

The pontiff was speaking during his traditional midweek general audience at the Vatican.

However, papal spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the trip would not take place this week, denying reports that the pontiff would preside over a state funeral for victims planned for Friday.

By Wednesday morning the death toll from the earthquake stood at 251. Rescue efforts were continuing in and around the badly damaged city of L'Aquila and surrounding towns in Italy's Abruzzo region that have been badly damaged in the earthquake.

Benedict is scheduled to lead the Vatican's Holy Week ceremonies in Rome including Way of the Cross prayers at the Colosseum on Good Friday and Easter Mass on Sunday.