The freed French-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt will visit Pope Benedict next week to thank him for the Vatican's support and appeals for all kidnap victims during her six years in the jungle.
Ms Betancourt, who was freed in July, will have a private audience with the pope at Castelgandolfo, his summer residence near Rome, on Monday September 1st, said chief Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi.
"She was very grateful for the pope's interest and appeals during her time as a prisoner, so when she was freed she asked for an opportunity to meet him soon and thank him," he said.
Pope Benedict had repeatedly called on Colombian guerrillas to free all hostages, including Ms Betancourt, a devout Catholic who said she prayed with a rosary every day of her captivity.
In February, five months before her release, Pope Benedict received her mother, Yolanda Pulecio, at the Vatican. He was also believed to have discussed her situation with French President Nicolas Sarkozy when they met in January.
Ms Betancourt will meet Italian officials, including President Giorgio Napolitano, to thank the country for its support during her captivity. She was made an honorary citizen of three Italian cities, including Rome, during that time and will receive a further decoration from the city of Florence next Wednesday.