According to a Buckingham Palace source, Britain's King Charles is still aiming to meet with Pope Francis during his state visit to the Vatican and Italy next month. The meeting was originally planned for February, but was postponed due to the pope’s health issues. Pope Francis is now reported to be in better health, with plans for the royal visit to commence on April 7, featuring a meeting with the pope on April 8.
King Charles, along with Queen Camilla, had planned to visit Rome in April, and they had hoped to meet the 88-year-old pontiff. The papal visit was put on hold when Pope Francis was hospitalized in February due to a severe respiratory infection. The Vatican recently confirmed an improvement in the pope's health after releasing an image showing him using less mechanical ventilation.
The upcoming three-day royal trip, starting on April 7, will include various engagements, including a historic meeting with Pope Francis. The palace officials expressed their optimism for the visit to proceed as planned, as both King Charles and Queen Camilla shared their hopes and prayers for the pope's health.
King Charles, who is recuperating from cancer and has been cautious about managing his workload, previously corresponded with the pope privately when he was unwell. Their past interactions in Rome in 2017 and 2019 laid the groundwork for the forthcoming meeting during Charles’ upcoming visit as King.
The visit symbolizes a significant step in improving relations between the Church of England, led by Charles as British monarch, and the Catholic Church. Apart from meeting the pope, the royal couple is scheduled to visit culturally significant sites such as the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.
In addition to the Vatican visit, the royals will engage in several activities during their Italian tour. Their agenda includes meetings with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as delivering an address to the joint houses of parliament, a first for a British monarch.
The timing of the visit is notable as it coincides with the 20th wedding anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla, who married on April 9, 2005. Their wedding occurred a day after the funeral of Pope John Paul II, an event Charles attended as the heir to the throne.