President Peres will visit the Vatican and hold a first diplomatic meeting
with Pope Francis

President Shimon Peres will, on Monday, 29 April 2013, leave for a special
visit to the Vatican at the invitation of Pope Francis. During the visit
President Peres will meet with the new Pope, hold a series of diplomatic
meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Italy, and take part in a
ceremony in the city of Assisi.

President Peres will be one of the first leaders with whom Pope Francis has
met since the taking up the position. During their meeting President Peres
will raise the issue of the furthering peace and stability in the Middle
East, progressing the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the
common struggle against world poverty and the deepening of relations between
Israel and the Vatican and between Christians and the Jewish people. During
his meetings with the leaders of Italy President Peres will discuss in depth
the Iranian threat, increasing the economic and diplomatic sanctions against
Iran, European involvement in the peace process and strengthening the
strategic, technological and economic relations between Israel and Italy.

President Peres will also pay a special visit to the city of Assisi which is
a symbol of peace in Italy and the city in which Francis of Assisi, after
whom the Pope chose his name, was born. At the invitation of the Mayor of
Assisi, President Peres will be welcomed at a ceremony at the central
Basilica in the city with hundreds of Franciscan monks. During the ceremony
President Peres will receive the Medal of Honor for Peace and the key to the
city. The award is being presented for the first time in history in
recognition for President Peres' unique contribution to dialogue and the
cause of peace.

President Peres will also meet with leaders of the Jewish community in Italy
as well as with business leaders to increase the economic cooperation
between Israel and Italy.

For additional information:

Ayelet Frish – Spokesperson and Media Adviser to the President of Israel,
050-6205111

Yair Zivan – International Media Coordinator, Office of the President of
Israel, 052-3450061