WASHINGTON (AP) — Determined to change the way the world views the United States, Barack Obama is onto his next foreign mission: rebuilding relations with Russia, proving to global leaders that America is serious about climate change, and outlining his vision for Africa, his father’s birthplace. And when in Rome? Obama will go to the Vatican to see Pope Benedict XVI for their first meeting.

Obama’s weeklong-trip — he leaves Sunday night for Moscow — typifies the pace of his first-year agenda. Capitalizing on his popularity and his party’s hold on power in Washington, Obama is moving quickly and broadly on foreign policy.

That often means overturning George W. Bush’s policies or mending relations that Obama contends went adrift under his Republican predecessor.

Familiar foes may shadow Obama and his plans.

Iran and North Korea are defiantly pursuing nuclear weapons programs despite international penalties. Iran has taken a hard and deadly line against postelection protesters, while North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on America’s Independence Day. The North also has raised the prospect of a long-range missile launch, possibly toward Hawaii. The US has positioned more missile defenses around the state.