ROME—Israeli President Reuven Rivlin started a visit to Rome on Thursday with an audience with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace, the second meeting between the two.
Their first meeting was in 2015, also at the invitation of the Pope.
The president and his wife Nechama received an official welcome to the Vatican by reviewing the Pontifical Swiss Guard in their traditional uniform.
During his visit, the president will also have working meetings meet with the President of Italy, Sergio Matarella, and Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte. They are to discuss ‘’matters of regional interest in light of the changes in the Middle East, the strengthening of bilateral Italian-Israeli relations and increasing cooperation between the two countries,’’ according to Rivlin’s press advisor.
On Friday, the Israeli president will meet Noemi Di Segni, President of UECI, the Union of Jewish Communities of Italy.