A meeting between the two could take place on the sidelines there, especially fitting as the theme of the pope's trip in Japan is "Protect all life."
Francis has also been vocal regarding his opposition to the use of the death penalty. In 2018, the Vatican changed the language of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the issue, calling it "inadmissible."
Both of the pope's translators for this trip are also personal choices.
In Japan, Francis' interpreter will be an Argentine Jesuit sent to Japan by Pope Francis when he was the Jesuit provincial in Argentina.
While in Thailand, the pope will have his second cousin, a Salesian missionary, at his side acting as translator.
Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, Pope Francis' second cousin, has been a missionary in Thailand for over 50 years.
Pope Francis' six-day journey to Asia will focus on the themes of peace, especially nuclear disarmament, dialogue with other religions, and defense of the environment, Bruni said Nov. 15.
Another motivation behind the trip is to encourage the small Catholic communities, which in Japan have deep historic roots.
In both countries, Catholics make up less than half a percent of the population.
In a video message sent Friday to the people of Thailand, Pope Francis said that during his trip he will "have the opportunity to meet with the Catholic community of Thailand to encourage them in faith and in the contribution they make to the whole of society."
"I trust that my visit will contribute to highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding and fraternal cooperation, especially in the service of the poor, the needy and in the service of peace: at this moment we need to work so hard for peace," he added.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.