King Charles III is set to visit the Vatican next month for an audience with Pope Francis, showing optimism that the pontiff will be back at work by then as he continues to recover from double pneumonia. Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after developing pneumonia in both lungs following a week-long bout of bronchitis. The Vatican has stated that the pope is gradually improving, leading to less frequent medical updates being issued. Buckingham Palace revealed that Charles had written a private letter to the pope when he fell ill, highlighting the importance of the upcoming meeting.
The visit from King Charles III to the Vatican symbolizes efforts to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, which split from Rome during King Henry VIII’s reign in the 16th century. As the head of the Church of England, Charles has made building bridges between people of all faiths a top priority since ascending the throne in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Charles’ trip, scheduled for three days starting on April 7, will include events in Italy, emphasizing the close relationship between Britain and Italy, both NATO allies, especially in the context of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
During his stay in Rome, Charles will participate in a joint flypast over the city by the Italian Air Force and their Royal Air Force counterparts. Additionally, Charles and Queen Camilla will attend events in Ravenna to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the region’s liberation from the Nazis by Allied forces, showcasing local cuisine and meeting with farmers affected by recent floods. This visit is expected to highlight the strong bilateral relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom, reflecting the depth and breadth of their ties, according to Buckingham Palace.
A significant event during King Charles III’s visit to the Vatican will be his historic visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, where reconciliation and ecumenical relations between Christian faiths are celebrated. The basilica holds the believed tomb of St. Paul and has a special connection to English kings before the split from Rome during the Protestant Reformation. This visit coincides with the Papal Jubilee, a yearlong celebration of forgiveness and reconciliation that the Catholic Church observes every 25 years. Buckingham Palace noted that the visit will mark a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, showcasing the historic nature of the trip.
Overall, King Charles III’s visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis represents an important step in strengthening ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, emphasizing unity and reconciliation between Christian faiths. The upcoming trip, which includes events in Rome and other parts of Italy, underscores the close relationship between Britain and Italy as they navigate current geopolitical challenges. The visit is set to include symbolic events and milestones, such as the joint flypast over Rome and the historic visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls during the Papal Jubilee. The occasion marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation between different religious communities.
