THE President, Mrs Robinson, arrived in Rome yesterday morning at the start of a four-day visit during which she is due to address the United Nations-run World Food. Programme (WFP) and have a private audience with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.
Although she met the speakers of both houses of parliament yesterday, Mrs Robinson's visit begins in earnest this morning when she addresses the World Food Programme in a speech to mark International Women's Day.
President Robinson's address is expected to focus on developing world issues such as food security, fundamental human rights and the role of women.
A high point of the President's visit will come tomorrow when she is received by Pope John Paul in a private audience at the Vatican.
During her four days in Rome, the President will also be received by the Italian state President, Mr Oscar Scalfaro. On Sunday she will meet the Irish clerical community in Rome during visits to the Irish College and to the churches of San Clemente and San Isodoro. She will also host a reception for Rome's Irish community.
President Robinson is the first Irish head of State to visit Italy since Dr Patrick Hillery made State visits to both the Vatican and Italy in 1989.