The upcoming state visit of the King and Queen to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis has been rescheduled, as announced by Buckingham Palace. Originally planned for next month, the meeting with the pontiff, who has been battling health issues, has been postponed to allow him more time to recover from double pneumonia.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace mentioned that the decision to postpone the visit was made mutually, considering the medical advice indicating that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation. The royal couple conveyed their best wishes to the Pope for a swift recovery and expressed eagerness to visit him in the future once he has regained his health.
While the Vatican visit has been deferred, the King and Queen’s tour of Italy is set to proceed, albeit with anticipated modifications to the itinerary. The trip, coinciding with their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, will include engagements with Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with attending a formal state banquet at Palazzo Quirinale.
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, were looking forward to celebrating the papal jubilee and strengthening the ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England during their visit. The Pope, who recently left Gemelli Hospital after a prolonged stay due to health concerns, has been advised to avoid large gatherings and focus on his recovery.
As both the royal couple and the pontiff prioritize their health and well-being, the rescheduled meeting at the Vatican remains a significant event on their calendars. The King, as the supreme governor of the Church of England, has previously met Pope Francis in 2019 and shares a longstanding relationship with the Catholic leader.
Additionally, the trip to Italy will feature symbolic events marking historical milestones, including commemorating the province’s liberation from Nazi occupation and celebrating literary heritage. While the Pope continues his recovery at Casa Santa Marta under medical supervision, Francis expressed gratitude for the ongoing prayers and support from well-wishers.
The rescheduling of the state visit emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and recovery for both the Pope and the royal couple, underscoring the significance of their future meeting.