The Vatican said Tuesday that French President Nicolas Sarkozy would meet Pope Benedict XVI during his trip to Italy in October, confirming a report from religious news agency i.media.
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said he "confirmed" the meeting, which is due to take place on October 8.
The two men last met in September 2008, when Benedict was in France.
It will be Sarkozy's second visit to the Vatican, following his journey in December 2007.
The Vatican has joined a chorus of criticism over France's crackdown on Roma and Gypsy communities.
In August it accused Paris of flouting European law.
SIC: EFR/EU