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The state visit of King Charles III of England to the Vatican, initially scheduled for April 8, has been postponed “by mutual agreement” in order to respect the convalescence of Pope Francis, Buckingham Palace announced March 25, 2025. The pontiff's doctors have asked him to rest and limit meetings over the next two months.
https://x.com/RoyalFamily/status/1904581431495360566
The King and Queen’s State Visit to The Holy See has been postponed by mutual agreement, as medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation.
On March 18, while Pope Francis was still hospitalized at the Gemelli, King Charles III had announced that he would visit the Vatican on April 8, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. He already met the Pope as Crown Prince in 2017 and 2019, but this would be his first visit to the Holy See since the beginning of his reign on September 8, 2022.
The Vatican Press Office did not at the time comment on the British announcement, stating that confirmation of these audiences generally only comes a few days before they are held.
Although the meeting was scheduled to take place in two weeks' time, Buckingham Palace has now decided to postpone it, noting the advice of the pontiff's doctors. The doctors recommended that Francis observe a two-month period of convalescence, limiting meetings and strenuous commitments.
In their statement, King Charles III and Queen Camilla sent the Pope their wishes for a speedy recovery and expressed their desire to meet him at the Holy See as soon as he has recovered.
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.
