King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Forthcoming Visit to Italy and the Vatican: A Celebration of Faith, Diplomacy, and Tradition

A Jubilee Year Pilgrimage: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Historic Visit

In April 2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla will embark on a significant State Visit to Italy and the Vatican, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a rare and sacred celebration held every 25 years. This special year of forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope was established in the 14th century by Pope Boniface VIII and draws millions of pilgrims to Rome. The Jubilee Year is marked by the opening of the “Holy Doors” in Rome’s major basilicas, a tradition that symbolizes spiritual renewal. Pope Francis has emphasized the theme of hope for this Jubilee, strikingly illustrated by his decision to open the first Holy Door in a prison.

The King and Queen’s visit will not only celebrate this momentous occasion but also strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Italy. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the royal couple will meet with Pope Francis in the Vatican, where they will join in marking the Jubilee Year. During their time in Italy, they are also expected to engage in activities in Rome and Ravenna, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.

A Shared Commitment to Faith and the Environment

King Charles, as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has long been known for his deep Christian faith and regular attendance at religious services. His upcoming meeting with Pope Francis will be their third encounter, though their first since Charles ascended to the throne. Their relationship is built on shared values, particularly their mutual concern for the environment and their advocacy for interfaith dialogue. Both leaders have championed these causes, with Charles supporting persecuted Christians in the Middle East through his work with a Catholic charity.

The King’s respect for the Catholic Church has been further demonstrated by his actions, such as incorporating relics of the True Cross into a processional cross for his 2023 coronation. Pope Francis gifted these fragments, which were later donated to the Church in Wales. Additionally, Charles’ coronation marked a historic moment when Catholic prelates participated in a British coronation for the first time in nearly 50 years.

The Evolution of Vatican-British Relations

Despite the historical tensions caused by the Reformation and King Henry VIII’s separation from Rome nearly 500 years ago, relations between the Vatican and the British monarchy have grown steadily warmer over the centuries. Full diplomatic ties were established in 1982, paving the way for greater cooperation and mutual respect. Today, the relationship is characterized by a deepening friendship, as seen in Pope Francis’ interaction with King Charles and his predecessors, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Vatican, where they were warmly received by Pope Francis. This visit, like the upcoming one, underscored the shared commitment of the British monarchy and the Catholic Church to fostering peace and understanding. The King’s frequent visits to Vatican City, including his presence at the canonization of Saint John Henry Newman in 2019, further highlight his appreciation for Catholic traditions and his desire to build bridges between faith communities.

A Look Back at King Charles’ Past Interactions with the Vatican

King Charles’ relationship with the Vatican has not been without its challenges. In 2005, his wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles was postponed to avoid clashing with the funeral of Pope John Paul II, whom Charles personally attended. During the funeral, an awkward moment arose when the then-Prince of Wales shook hands with Zimbabwe’s controversial President Robert Mugabe during the sign of peace.

Despite such awkwardness, Charles’ interactions with the Vatican have been largely positive. His meetings with Pope Francis have been marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to addressing global issues. In 2017, Pope Francis urged Charles to be a “man of peace,” to which the future King replied, “I’ll do my best.” This exchange reflects the level of trust and camaraderie that has developed between the two leaders.

A Gift of Friendship: The Exchange of Tokens and Gestures

During their meetings, Pope Francis and King Charles have exchanged meaningful gifts, reflecting their mutual respect and shared values. In 2017, Francis gifted Charles a copy of his encyclical on climate change, along with other writings and a bronze olive branch symbolizing peace. In return, Charles presented the Pope with a hamper of produce from Highgrove, his private estate, humorously remarking, “It may come in handy.”

Similarly, when Pope Francis met Queen Elizabeth II in 2014, he gave her a Lapis Lazuli orb adorned with a silver cross of Edward the Confessor, engraved with a message for the then-baby Prince George. The Queen reciprocated with a basket of goods from the royal estates. These exchanges highlight the warmth and thoughtfulness that characterize the relationship between the British monarchy and the Vatican.

A Legacy of Unity and Hope

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s forthcoming visit to Italy and the Vatican is more than just a diplomatic engagement; it is a celebration of faith, reconciliation, and shared values. The Jubilee Year provides a fitting backdrop for their meeting with Pope Francis, as both leaders seek to inspire hope and unity in an increasingly fragmented world.

Their visit will also mark a significant moment in the long history of Vatican-British relations, building on the foundation laid by previous monarchs and popes. As King Charles and Pope Francis work together to address global challenges, their meeting serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect. Through this visit, they hope to leave a lasting legacy of peace, understanding, and hope for future generations.