London: King Charles and Queen Camilla have postponed their scheduled state visit to the Vatican following medical advice recommending that Pope Francis take an extended period of rest, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday.
The royal couple had been set to travel to the Vatican on April 7, with a meeting planned with Pope Francis the following day. The visit was expected to be a significant moment in diplomatic relations.
However, days after the initial announcement of the trip, Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection. He was discharged on Sunday after what has been described as the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
A royal source previously stated that King Charles and Queen Camilla were “hoping and praying” for the pope’s recovery so that the visit could proceed. However, after discussions, the decision to postpone was made by mutual agreement.
“Their Majesties send the pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in the Holy See once he has recovered,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
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While the Vatican visit has been postponed, the royal couple’s subsequent state visit to Italy remains on schedule, though the itinerary may be adjusted.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia. Given his medical history—including pleurisy as a young adult that led to the partial removal of one lung—the condition was particularly concerning. The head of his medical team revealed that at one point during his hospitalization, the pope’s condition was critical and he came close to death.
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Meanwhile, King Charles, 76, is also managing his workload carefully as he continues his recovery from cancer.
