Pope Francis Welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla During Surprise Visit
On Thursday, the Vatican shared a heartwarming image of Pope Francis smiling during an unexpected meeting with British royals King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who are currently visiting Italy. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is recovering at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, after spending 38 days in the hospital due to serious respiratory issues, welcomed the royal couple despite the cancellation of their official visit due to his health.
The photo depicts Pope Francis sitting comfortably in an armchair, notably without nasal cannulas for oxygen, which marked a significant moment in his ongoing recovery journey. This surprise visit came just a day after he celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary and only a week after he made a public appearance at the Jubilee Mass for the Sick, where he did use nasal cannulas.
The meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which the pope expressed his warm congratulations to King Charles and Queen Camilla on their wedding anniversary. In turn, Queen Camilla extended her wishes for the pope's swift recovery. Notably, neither the pope nor the royals wore masks during this cordial meeting.
Pope Francis' visibility and engagement following his hospitalization are encouraging signs for many. His previous encounters with the royal family include a meeting in April 2017 and a visit by King Charles, then Prince of Wales, during the canonization of Saint John Henry Newman in October 2019. This latest gathering symbolizes continued bridges between the Vatican and the British monarchy, underscoring the importance of compassion and connection during challenging times.
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