The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis plans to travel to Assisi on 4 October, the liturgical feast day of St Francis.The visit is set to coincide with the 51st anniversary of Blessed John XXIII's historic train journey to the hilltop town on 4 October 1962, just a week before the opening session of the Second Vatican Council.
Meanwhile, The Tablet has learned that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be at the Vatican on 14 June to meet and pray with the Pope.
It will be first meeting of the new leaders of Roman Church and Anglican Communion.
Lambeth Palace confirmed that the archbishop would be travelling to Rome, accompanied by Mrs Welby, for a "personal and fraternal" visit to Pope Francis.
Further details of the encounter are still being worked out.
A spokesman added: "A more extended visit, when the archbishop can engage with various other Vatican officials, will take place later in the year."