Pope Francis had a previously unannounced meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican, delightfully coinciding with the royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary on 9 April 2024. This gathering comes after a tumultuous period for the pontiff, who has been recuperating from a serious bout of pneumonia.
A Special Gathering
The private audience lasted around 20 minutes, despite an earlier cancellation of a formal visit due to the Pope’s health concerns. Buckingham Palace expressed that King Charles and Queen Camilla were thrilled to see the pontiff in good spirits and to extend their personal congratulations.
- King Charles III is the head of the Church of England, which separated from the Catholic Church in 1534.
- This marks the first official meeting between the king and the Pope since Charles ascended to the throne in 2022.
- The late Queen Elizabeth II visited Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2014.
Pope’s Health Update
Pope Francis has been undergoing recovery since his hospitalisation for pneumonia, spending over five weeks in treatment. Following his return to the Vatican on 23 March, he has made a few public appearances, including a surprise visit to St Peter’s Basilica on 10 April 2024.
During his visit, the Pope greeted restoration workers, showcasing a heartwarming moment where he encouraged young restorers to approach him despite their initial shyness.
A Message of Solidarity
During their brief meeting, both the Pope and the King exchanged well-wishes—highlighting their mutual concerns for each other’s health. Notably, King Charles III, who has been battling cancer for over a year, expressed gratitude for the Pope’s recovery.
The Vatican’s recent statements indicate that Pope Francis’ health is improving, fuelling hopes for his participation in upcoming Easter celebrations. Both leaders have shown resilience amidst personal health challenges, bringing a touch of humanity to their roles.
Pope Francis, now 88 years old, has been using a cannula to support his breathing during recovery, yet appears to be regaining his strength.