Pope Benedict XVI will be in satellite contact with two Italian astronauts in what would be the first papal call to space, reports The Associated Press.

According to the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano Friday, the hookup between the pope and Roberto Vittori and Paolo Nespoli will happen on May 4. Liftoff is set for next Friday.

Two Italian astronauts will be meeting up on the space station. Roberto Vittori will be aboard the shuttle and Paolo Nespoli (NES’-po-lee) is a space station resident.

Vittori, who will be lifting off next Friday among with Nespoli and other Russian and American astronauts, will be carrying a silver medal donated by the pope.

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