King Charles, Queen Camilla to visit Italy, Vatican for jubilee year
File photo of Pope Francis meeting Prince Charles of Wales on 13 October 2019. Credit: Vatican News
King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Italy and the Vatican in April 2025 to meet with Pope Francis as the Catholic Church observes its Jubilee Year, a sacred tradition held every 25 years.
The British monarch will join an estimated 32 million pilgrims visiting the “Eternal City” for this Holy Year, established in the 14th century by Pope Boniface VIII.
The Jubilee focuses on forgiveness and reconciliation, with pilgrims encouraged to pass through Rome’s “Holy Doors.” Pope Francis has dedicated this Jubilee to the theme of “hope,” symbolized by his decision to open the first “Holy Door” in a prison.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit, stating: “Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy in early April 2025. During Their Majesties’ State visit to the Holy See, The King and Queen will join His Holiness Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year.”
In addition to their Vatican visit, Charles and Camilla will engage in diplomatic and cultural events in Rome and Ravenna, strengthening ties between the UK and Italy.
As the supreme governor of the Church of England, King Charles is known for his deep faith and regular church attendance.
The visit marks his third meeting with Pope Francis but the first since ascending the throne. It will also be the second meeting between Pope Francis and a reigning British monarch, following his 2014 encounter with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
