King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the Vatican has been postponed based on medical advice recommending that Pope Francis benefit from an extended period of rest, according to Buckingham Palace.
The British royals were scheduled to travel to the Vatican on April 7 and meet the Pope the following day. Shortly after the plans were first announced last month, the 88-year-old Pope was hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection and was only discharged recently after facing the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
A royal source indicated last week that Charles and Camilla hoped the Pope's health would improve enough to allow the trip, but it has now been canceled by mutual agreement.
"Their majesties send the Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in the Holy See once he has recovered," the palace statement noted.
The royal couple's subsequent state visit to Italy is expected to proceed, although changes to the program may now be necessary.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, a particularly serious condition given his history of pleurisy as a young adult and partial lung removal. Reports indicated he came close to death during his hospitalization.
Charles, 76, also has his workload carefully managed as he recovers from cancer.