King Charles is reportedly “very keen” to meet Pope Francis privately and in public, in what’s been dubbed a “momentous gathering” between the two men during his royal tour to Italy, according to a royal source.
Last November, it was reported that the King and his wife, Queen Camilla planned on embarking on another major royal tour in Europe in 2025, following the success of their latest trip to Australia and Samoa.
At the time, the Mirror claimed that the duo would be representing the UK on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to boost relationships following Brexit.
Now new sources have claimed Charles and the Pope are both very “keen” on meeting each other, in what would be a historic encounter.
The meeting would come as the Pope and the Catholic world celebrate the Jubilee year – an event, themed Pilgrims of Hope this year, that takes place once every 25 years and celebrates spiritual renewal and forgiveness.
A royal source told the outlet: “It is very much the intention of both parties to have both a public and private audience with one another.
“There is huge respect for one another and in such an important year for Italy and period in the King’s reign, the gathering will be all the more momentous.”
Charles will be the first monarch in 10 years to meet the head of the Catholic Church and it will be the first time he meets Francis as King.
According to the outlet, the King is set to visit The Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s official residence in Vatican City.
The royal tour’s schedule will be reportedly adjusted to the King’s needs, however courtiers were positive about his cancer treatment, which “continues to move in the right direction”.
Charles had to take a short break from public-facing engagements last year after he was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer. But he was soon back to carrying out duties and even went on a tour Down Under, with doctors feeling optimistic about his prognosis.
A source added: “The Australia and Samoa tour lifted his spirits, his mood and his recovery as did celebrations with his closest family over the Christmas period.
“All being well with his current treatment plan, His Majesty is understood to be very much looking forward to travelling to Italy.”
