By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Mar 25, 2025 / 18:35 pm
King Charles and Queen Camilla have made a thoughtful decision to postpone their visit to the Vatican in light of Pope Francis’ health concerns. The Holy Father’s doctors have advised additional rest time following his recent illness.
The royal couple had plans to visit the Vatican in early April to partake in the 2025 Jubilee celebrations. However, they announced the postponement of their visit on Tuesday due to Pope Francis’ health condition. Their scheduled audience with the Pope on April 8 has been canceled.
According to a statement from Buckingham Palace on March 25, the decision to postpone the visit was mutual. “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,” the statement read.
The royal family expressed their well wishes for Pope Francis’ recovery in a post on X. “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,” the statement continued.
Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.
