Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Pope Francis on June 10 at the Vatican.
Putin is expected to visit Russia’s pavilion at the Expo world’s fair in Milan, where June 10 has been slated as Russia’s national day, according to Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi. The meeting will take place sometime in the afternoon.
The meeting will undoubtedly touch on conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.
Pope Francis has been vocal in condemning attacks against Christians by Islamic militants in the Middle East, but has been more meek in his comments about the Russia-Ukraine struggle.
The two last talked on Nov. 25, 2013, when Putin called Francis.
(h/t The Associated Press)
