White House says Obama plans to visit Vatican, pope during trip to Rome next month

Obama to visit pope during G-8 visit

WASHINGTON — A White House spokesman says President Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI will talk about their shared belief in the dignity of all people at their meeting next month.

The White House on Wednesday said the two leaders would meet while Obama visits Italy for the G-8 summit.

Obama’s support for abortion rights and stem-cell research, which the Vatican opposes, has drawn heavy criticism from some American Catholic bishops.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Michelle Obama plans to join the president on the trip to Italy.