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Rodman Plans To Vacation With Kim Jong Un, Head To Rome In Makeshift Popemobile

FARGO, N.D. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Dennis Rodman is continuing his inexplicable world tour.

The former professional basketball star says he plans to return to North Korea to vacation with Kim Jong Un.

Rodman met with the authoritarian leader in late February during a visit that was not endorsed by the U.S. State Department. The visit came during a period of tension between the countries over North Korea's nuclear weapons testing.

Rodman traveled to Fargo, N.D., over the weekend for a promotional appearance at a local bar. The former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star told KVLY-KXJB that he doesn't think Kim wants war and that he considers the leader a friend even though he doesn't condone what he does.

Rodman said he plans to return to North Korea in August to vacation with Kim, who is a diehard basketball fan.

But the five-time NBA champion plans to do some other international traveling before then.

In a bizarre twist, the Hall of Famer is expected to arrive in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday in a makeshift popemobile as he campaigns for Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana to become the church's first black pope.

The ridiculous ROD WORLD TOUR continues. Can anyone on earth explain this? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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