The intention of both parties, the Vatican and the British monarchy, is to reschedule the meeting as soon as Pope Francis’ state of health allows.
Newsroom(31/03/2025 21:23, Gaudium Press) The audience between Pope Francis and King Charles III, “Supreme Governor of the Church of England”, scheduled for April 8 at the Vatican, has been postponed on medical advice. Although the visit was confirmed recently, the pontiff’s state of health has forced the British Royal House to change its plans.
The change in program follows a medical recommendation that the Pope – who was recently discharged from hospital after a long stay due to a respiratory infection at the Gemelli polyclinic – should undergo an extended period of rest.
Although the audience with the Holy Father has been suspended, the rest of the British monarchs’ state visit to Italy – scheduled for April 7-10 – remains on schedule, with some adjustments to the program. During his stay in Rome, Charles III will meet the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, as well as taking part in various cultural and institutional events.
The visit to the Vatican had only been announced a few days ago, when it was considered that the Pope’s health would allow the meeting to take place. It was planned to include a private audience and a symbolic ceremony in the Sistine Chapel, focusing on the common commitment to care for the environment, a subject of special interest to both the pontiff and the British monarch.
The meeting would also have an ecumenical character, in the context of the upcoming Jubilee of 2025 and with the aim of strengthening ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. The intention of both parties is to reschedule the meeting as soon as Pope Francis’ state of health allows.
The King of the United Kingdom – now Charles III – holds the title of “Supreme Governor of the Church of England”, which gives him an institutional and ceremonial role within the Anglican Church. This role has historical roots and symbolizes the union between State and Church in England.
Although he holds this role in the Anglican Church, the British monarch also represents a multi-faith nation. Charles III has been keen to promote interfaith understanding, even referring to himself as “Defender of the Faith”, but also of religions, in a more inclusive tone, although without changing the official title he inherited.
The Catholic Church does not recognize the validity of apostolic succession in the Church of England, i.e. it does not consider Anglican ordinations to be valid. This position was officially formulated in 1896 by Pope Leo XIII in the bull Apostolicae curae.
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
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