President Peres departed this afternoon for Italy where he will meet with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Letta and President Napolitano
Upon boarding the plane President Peres shook hands with the staff and said:

"I am departing for a special visit in Rome and the Vatican today. During my visit I will meet the Pope and the senior leadership of the new Italian government, first and foremost the President and Prime Minister. I intend to personally invite Pope Francis for an official state visit in Israel and to strengthen the good relations that already exist between Israel and the Vatican. The Vatican has an important role to play in the stability of the Middle East and I am sure that this visit will contribute both to the State of Israel and to the cause of peace."

President Peres will meet with the new Italian Prime Minister and be one of the first leaders to meet with Pope Francis. During their meeting President Peres will raise the issue of 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 President and Prime Minister 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 use his visit to meet with leaders of the Jewish community in Italy and senior business leaders.