The planned meeting between King Charles and Pope Francis has been postponed. The pontiff is expected to continue his recovery.
Catholics around the world rejoiced when Pope Francis, 88, who had been seriously ill, was able to leave the hospital in Rome on Sunday, March 24, 2025. Originally, Britain’s King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, were scheduled to meet with the head of the Church during their visit to Italy in April.
Just about a week ago, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the meeting would still take place despite the pontiff’s illness. However, the palace has now announced that the meeting must be postponed.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Postpone Visit to the Vatican “by Mutual Agreement”
“The state visit of the King and Queen to the Holy See has been postponed by mutual agreement, as Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recovery on medical advice,” Buckingham Palace stated, as quoted by the British newspaper Mirror, among others. Charles and Camilla “send the Pope their best wishes for his recovery and look forward to visiting him at the Holy See once he has recovered,” the statement continued.
The royal couple’s trip to Italy is still expected to go ahead, though some changes to the itinerary are anticipated. King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to travel through Italy from April 7 to April 10. Their visit coincides with a private occasion for the royal couple: their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9.
Grand State Banquet at the Quirinal Palace
During the trip, the King is also set to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella, 83, as well as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, 48. President Mattarella will host a state banquet for Their Majesties at the Quirinal Palace.
Pope Francis was able to leave the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday after 38 days of treatment. According to his doctors, he reportedly faced life-threatening situations twice during his stay. Now, the pontiff is advised to rest for two months and avoid large gatherings during this period.
