Pope to make call to space station

Pope Benedict XVI is to make satellite contact with two Italian astronauts on board the International Space Station in what will be the first papal call to space.

The Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported today that the link-up will happen on May 4 after the shuttle Endeavour docks with the station. Lift-off is set for next Friday.

Two Italian astronauts will be meeting up on the space station. Roberto Vittori will be on board the shuttle and Paolo Nespoli is a space station resident.

Mr Vittori will be carrying a silver medal donated by the Pope. Others on the space station are Russian and American.