Pope Francis to meet President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, on April 18

(Vatican Radio) The Holy See Press Office has confirmed Pope Francis will receive the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, for the first time in an official visit to the Vatican on April 18, 2015. President Mattarella was elected  February 3, 2015.

At the time of his election, Pope Francis sent him a telegram invoking “Divine assistance” in his new role, and the hope he would exercise the office of President “at the service of unity and harmony in the country.”

The Press Office also announced Pope Francis will visit the Italian cities of Prato and Florence, both in Tuscany, on November 10, 2015.  The Holy Father will be addressing the 5th National Ecclesial Congress of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), which is being held from November 9-13. The theme of the Congress is “A New Humanism through Jesus Christ.”