Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen is to meet the Pope during a visit to Rome this week, it was announced this evening.
Ahead of his private audience in the Vatican on Thursday, Mr Cowen will have talks tomorrow with Ms Margherita Boniver about the humanitarian response to the situation in Afghanistan and European Union issues.
Mr Cowen is expected to discuss the impending humanitarian crisis facing Afghanistan and the formation of a coalition Government to replace the Taliban regime.
PA
