In the letter, Giovanni in Fiore's mayor, Antonio Nicoletti, also invites Obama to visit the abbey made famous by the Medieval monk, Gioacchino da Fiore, to whom Obama has referred several times during the election campaign.

The 12th century theologian and abbot, who is also known as Joachim of Fiore, founded a monastic order in the local Sila area, where his body is housed.

"It is with amazement and admiration that San Giovanni in Fiore appreciates your references to the abbot," Nicoletti wrote. "We rediscover a piece of our history in America that with you pursues its dream and that of our fellow citizens from across the ocean who pack the stadiums at your conventions.

"In their faces, we see the hope of a 'New America', united, supportive, welcoming; the New Frontier that so many Italian citizens crossed, people from Calabria, from San Giovanni in Fiore.; the land of opportunity for those who sailed the ocean in search of a better future.

"Senator Obama, I hope most sincerely that you are the next occupant of the White House. Gioacchino da Fiore wished for a more just society, something that is your and our dream, as well as that of so many immigrants who chose the United States."

In his campaign speeches, Obama referred to Gioacchino da Fiore as a "master of contemporary civilisation" and someone who wanted to create a fairer world.

Italy's most famous literary figure, Dante Alighieri, referred to Gioacchino da Fiore as a "gifted prophet" in his famous work The Divine Comedy.

Meanwhile, many in San Giovanni in Fiore are awaiting a decision from the Vatican on the beatification of the monk. If there are no hurdles, it is expected to be approved within a year.