NEW YORK  — The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice and reflects his admiration for Pope Francis.

The self-described democratic socialist departed New York for Rome after Thursday night’s debate with front-running rival Hillary Clinton. He will join several speakers commemorating the 25th anniversary of “Centesimus Annus,” a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War.

The roughly 24-hour break from the campaign comes just five days before the New York primary. Sanders said in an interview with The Associated Press that he was “appreciative and proud” to be invited to the conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

“The theme from the conference, which is essentially how we create a moral economy, is one that has occupied my attention for decades. And the teachings from Pope Francis have moved me very much,” the Vermont senator said.

Sanders was joined by his wife, Jane Sanders, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. The senator planned to work on his speech during the flight, spokesman Michael Briggs said.