Pope Francis met privately with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Vatican on April 9th. The meeting occurred on the couple's 20th wedding anniversary and followed the postponement of their official state visit due to the Pope's health. During the meeting, the Pope congratulated the royal couple and wished King Charles a speedy recovery. Discussions about a Holy See State Visit continue to be planned for the future.
21 days ago
Pope Francis held a private audience with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican on April 9, 2025 2 3. The meeting took place at the Pope's Casa Santa Marta residence 2 6. The Vatican confirmed the meeting, noting that no photos would be released until the following day 5.
The meeting occurred while both Pope Francis and King Charles were dealing with health concerns 2. Pope Francis was convalescing after a five-week hospital stay for a lung infection and other issues 2 3. King Charles was also recovering from side effects related to his cancer treatment 3 5. Both leaders wished each other a speedy recovery 2 3 5 6.
The meeting date held particular significance for the royal couple 2 6. April 9th marked King Charles and Queen Camilla's 20th wedding anniversary 2 3 5 6. It was also the four-year anniversary of the death of King Charles's father, Prince Philip 2 6. The Pope expressed his best wishes to the King and Queen on their anniversary 2 6.
An official state visit, which was originally scheduled to include a service in the Sistine Chapel, had been planned but was postponed due to Pope Francis's health 2 3 5 7. The royal couple had intended to celebrate the Jubilee with the Pontiff at the Vatican 6. The King and Queen look forward to visiting the Pope in the Holy See once he has recovered 6 7.
King Charles, as Prince of Wales, had met Pope Francis on previous occasions, including during the canonization of St. John Henry Newman in 2019 3 5 6 7. He also met Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican in 2017 3 7. King Charles also addressed a joint session of the Italian Houses of Parliament 6 7. Queen Elizabeth II met a total of five popes during her reign 2.
The Catholic Church views ecumenical dialogue as a vital endeavor, rooted in the desire for Christian unity and guided by the Holy Spirit . The Second Vatican Council emphasized the restoration of unity among all Christians as one of its principal aims .
The Church's commitment to ecumenism is seen as a duty of Christian conscience, enlightened by faith and guided by love . This commitment involves recognizing the signs of the times and actively participating in the work of ecumenism . The ultimate goal of ecumenical dialogue is full, visible communion among all Christians, while respecting the rich diversity of spirituality, discipline, liturgical rites, and elaborations of revealed truth that has developed among Christians .
Ecumenical dialogue involves a restoration of the inner dimension of Christian life, marked by a wholehearted personal commitment to Jesus Christ . Sustained and persevering prayer is essential, fostering collaboration and dialogue . Interior conversion and renewal within the Church are also crucial for the ecumenical movement's growth . This requires Catholics to honestly assess and renew aspects of their own faith and practices .
The Catholic Church acknowledges that those who believe in Christ and are baptized are truly brothers and sisters in Christ . Baptism constitutes a sacramental bond of unity among all who are reborn through it . Furthermore, the Church recognizes that other Christian communities possess many essential elements that Christ wills for his Church and that the Spirit uses them as means of salvation, resulting in a real, though incomplete, communion with the Catholic Church .
Dialogue helps Christians learn from one another and delve deeper into the truth . Overcoming obstacles and resentments requires commitment to ecumenical life and prayer, as well as undertaking common projects while respecting the activities of various Christian denominations . The Holy Spirit guides Christians towards truth and reconciliation, leading them out of the scandal of division .
The Catholic Church approaches ecumenical dialogue with a spirit of hope, recognizing the importance of seeking unity among all Christians. This involves prayer, conversion, dialogue, and collaboration, all guided by the Holy Spirit, with the ultimate goal of restoring full communion while respecting the diversity within the Christian faith.