King Charles III plans Vatican meeting with Pope despite health issues

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to meet Pope Francis during their state visit to the Vatican and Italy from April 7 to 10, despite the Pope's recent hospitalization due to pneumonia. The visit will mark the first time a British monarch has stepped into St. Paul Outside the Walls since the Reformation, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. A Buckingham Palace source indicated that the royal couple has expressed their hopes for the Pope's recovery to ensure the visit goes as planned, which includes attending a service at the Sistine Chapel and a celebration of the 2025 Papal Jubilee. In addition to the Vatican visit, the trip will feature meetings with Italy's President and Prime Minister, a state banquet, and a joint flypast with the Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori. This visit also coincides with the royal couple's 20th wedding anniversary and will underscore the importance of interfaith relations. The Vatican is optimistic about Pope Francis's health, as recent updates suggest he is improving.