President George Vella will be be travelling to the Vatican today where he will have a private audience with Pope Francis.

The four-day visit will also include a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome.

The President, accompanied by his wife and a delagation of ministers, will meet with the Pope on Monday.  

The delegation, which includes Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, will also meet with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

On Tuesday, the President will meet his Italian counterpart at the Quirinale in Rome. They will discuss actual themes, according to a press release by the Office of the President.

The President and Mrs Vella will also attend an Independence Day activity, where Dr Vella will address distinguished guests.

Dolores Cristina will be acting President while Dr Vella is away, the OPR said.