Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican in April as part of a four-day state visit to Italy, despite the pontiff’s recent hospitalization. The trip, set for April 7-10, will include a service at the Sistine Chapel focused on the theme of “care for creation,” reflecting the shared environmental advocacy of both leaders.
The announcement signals confidence that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since mid-February with pneumonia, will be well enough to receive the royal couple. The Vatican confirmed that the pope remains in stable condition and is able to pray and perform limited work duties.
This visit marks a significant moment in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, highlighting the progress made since the turbulent history of the Reformation. Buckingham Palace described the trip as a “historic visit” and a step forward in fostering mutual respect and dialogue between the two faiths.
King Charles, who has visited the Vatican five times as Prince of Wales, and Pope Francis share a commitment to environmental protection and interfaith dialogue. The royal couple’s itinerary also includes engagements in Rome and Ravenna, aimed at strengthening ties between Italy and the United Kingdom.
The visit comes during the Jubilee year, a Holy Year focused on forgiveness and reconciliation, adding symbolic weight to the meeting. Buckingham Palace expressed hopes that Pope Francis’ health will permit the visit to proceed as planned, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic and spiritual encounter.
This trip not only reinforces the warm relations between the UK and the Holy See but also highlights the shared values and collaborative efforts of King Charles and Pope Francis in addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability and interfaith harmony.
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