King Charles III was planning to visit Pope Francis in April, but their meeting was mutually suspended by medical recommendation from the Pope’s doctors. Pope Francis had just been hospitalized for pulmonary pneumonia and renal problems.
The Pope was confined to Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14th, and it wasn’t until this Sunday, March 23rd, when he was able to appear again on his balcony at St. Peter’s Square to greet Catholic believers, after being discharged.
However, the suspension of King Charles III’s visit demonstrates that it still requires caution, and for a “prolonged” period of time.
The British portal The Mirror reported that according to a statement from Buckingham Palace, “the King and the Realms State Visit to the Holy See has been mutually postponed, as the medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recovery.”
King Charles III will visit Pope Francis once he is fully recovered
In the Buckingham Palace report, it is made clear that the visit will take place once the Pope has fully recovered in order to strengthen relations. “Their Majesties send the Pope their best wishes for his recovery and look forward to visiting him at the Holy See once he has recovered.”
As understood, despite not meeting with the Pope, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will continue their tour in Italy, although with some changes in their schedule.
It is believed that just as the visit of Charles III was suspended, other visits to the Pope are also suspended. However, despite not having meetings with external delegates to the Vatican, the Pontiff remains active in his role as the representative of the Catholic Church, as according to the rules, no one can substitute him in terms of signing documents or appointments, not even if he is unconscious. The only one who could replace him in office would be the one appointed as the new Pope, in case he passes away.