King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom are set to make a state visit to the Holy See next month amidst ongoing health concerns for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since mid-February. On April 8, the royal couple plans to hold a highly anticipated audience with the Pope, adding significant weight to their itinerary for the trip, which spans from April 7 to April 10.
The visit, officially timed to coincide with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, was announced by Buckingham Palace on March 18, 2025, in a detailed itinerary released to the public. This program includes participation in an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel, centered on the theme of “Care for Creation,” reflecting shared commitments of Pope Francis and King Charles III to environmental issues.
The royals’ visit will commence with activities centered on the Vatican, with Buckingham Palace stating that this engagement signifies an important moment in bridging relationships between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. The itinerary also notes that King Charles will visit the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for the first time, which holds historical ties to English monarchs dating back to the Reformation. During this visit, members of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel will perform alongside the Sistine Chapel Choir, enhancing the significance of the occasion.
In addition to the ecclesiastical events, the king and queen will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 9, marking a notable moment where King Charles will be the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian Parliament. This engagement solidifies the trip's importance, as the royal couple also plans to attend a state banquet and participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a powerful symbol of respect for fallen soldiers located at the Altar of the Fatherland.
As part of the itinerary, the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team, the "Frecce Tricolori," will partner with the Royal Air Force's "Red Arrows" for a joint flyover in Rome, celebrating the defense ties between the two nations as NATO allies. The couple's trip also coincides with the 20th anniversary of their marriage, having wed on April 9, 2005, just one day after the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which King Charles attended.
Pope Francis’ health remains a point of concern; he has been in Gemelli Hospital since February 14, battling double pneumonia and multiple infections. As of mid-March, medical reports indicate that while he is improving and has been able to go without supplemental oxygen at times, his return home is still uncertain. The Vatican's updates continue to receive attention, as royal officials have expressed hopes that the Pope’s condition will allow for the meeting to proceed. Charles and Camilla have offered their thoughts and prayers for the Pope's recovery.
This state visit, which is unprecedented in its scope, illustrates a commitment to fostering dialogue between the two churches and reflecting broader themes of reconciliation that the Jubilee Year aims to promote. Charles' role as the supreme governor of the Church of England adds layers of significance to this meeting, providing a platform to address historical divides between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in an open and collaborative environment.
On the final day of their visit, April 10, the couple will travel to Ravenna, a city in northeastern Italy, to celebrate the region’s cultural richness with a festival dedicated to traditional foods and produce. During this event, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of Ravenna's liberation from Nazi occupation, a poignant reminder of the historical resilience and unity shaped by the Allied Forces during World War II.
The upcoming events hold great promise for strengthening ties between Britain and Italy, showcasing cultural heritage through various ceremonies. It is anticipated that both nations look to the future with renewed understanding following this important diplomatic engagement.
