King Charles III to meet Pope Francis during visit to Vatican next month
King Charles III is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis during an upcoming visit to the Vatican next month. This meeting signifies hope that the pontiff will have recovered from his double pneumonia by then, as he continues to recuperate at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican has been providing updates on his condition, indicating gradual improvement in his health.
In a show of support, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III had sent a private message to the pope when he fell ill. The visit to the Vatican holds symbolic significance as it aims to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, which separated during the reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century.
As the head of the Church of England, King Charles III has prioritized fostering interfaith relations since ascending to the throne in 2022 following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. His upcoming three-day visit to Italy, including stops in Rome and Vatican City, will highlight the close relationship between Britain and Italy, both NATO allies.
During his time in Rome, King Charles III will underscore the importance of European nations supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. A joint flypast over Rome by the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows will symbolize the unity between the two countries.
The royal couple will also attend a reception in Ravenna to commemorate the region’s liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied forces. This event will serve as an opportunity to engage with local farmers affected by recent floods and celebrate the region’s cuisine.
A key highlight of the visit will be King Charles III’s visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, where choirs from various chapels will perform to promote reconciliation and ecumenical relations among Christian faiths.
This visit coincides with the Papal Jubilee, a year of forgiveness and reconciliation observed by the Catholic Church every 25 years. Buckingham Palace expressed that this historic visit will mark a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
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