Pope Francis Meets King Charles, Strengthens UK-Vatican Ties

Pope Francis welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican during their state visit to Italy, marking the pontiff's first public engagement since recovering from double pneumonia. This private meeting, initially postponed due to the pope's health, allowed Francis to congratulate the royal couple on their 20th wedding anniversary. Both Buckingham Palace and the Vatican expressed delight at the pope's improved health and the significance of their encounter, which reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the Vatican and the British monarchy. King Charles also delivered a speech to the Italian parliament, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing global challenges and the historical relationship between the UK and Italy. The visit is seen as a step towards reinforcing international relations amid rising instability in Europe. Overall, the meeting illustrates a mutual respect and shared goals between the two leaders.