A new dispute is brewing between Italy and private German aid organisations over the handling of boat refugees in the Mediterranean.
Prior to meeting Mr Francis, Mr Scholz plans to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome on March 1.
Forty-two people voted against it.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died at the age of 86.
Heavy storms have hit the coastal area since Tuesday, and three people have been killed, Italian media reported on Wednesday.
According to initial information, the migrants were on a fishing boat, which broke apart in heavy seas, after which some drowned.
The “earthquake diplomacy” ushered in a phase of détente at the time.
