Obama to visit Pope Benedict XVI

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will visit with Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI when he heads back overseas next month, the White House said Wednesday.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters the president will discuss "a range of issues, including their shared belief in the dignity of all people" when he meets the pope July 10.

The first meeting between the two men will follow Obama's attendance at the Group of Eight summit in L'Aquila, Italy. Obama drew condemnation from the Vatican in March when he lifted restrictions on funding for stem-cell research and he also has rankled some Catholics for his support of abortion rights.

First lady Michelle Obama will make the trip to the Vatican, as well, Gibbs said.