Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Italy next Sunday for the annual meeting held between the Israeli and Italian governments, part of Israel's effort to strengthen ties with European nations. During the trip to Italy, Netanyahu will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican. It is expected that the prime minister will officially invite the pope to visit Israel. According to an Italian news agency, Netanyahu and Pope Francis will also discuss the Iranian nuclear program and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. On several occasions, including during meetings with President Shimon Peres and Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin, Pope Francis has said he hopes to visit Israel in the first part of 2014.
