King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom are set to embark on a significant journey to Italy and the Vatican in April 2025. Their visit coincides with the Catholic Church's special Jubilee Year, a tradition that occurs every 25 years, focusing on themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The royal couple will join an estimated 32 million pilgrims traveling to Rome, the 'Eternal City,' to partake in the Jubilee celebrations. The Jubilee Year was established by Pope Boniface VIII in the 14th century and involves pilgrims passing through designated 'Holy Doors' in Rome's major basilicas.
During their State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy, King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with His Holiness Pope Francis to commemorate the 2025 Jubilee Year. This visit marks the third encounter between King Charles and Pope Francis, emphasizing the warm and respectful relationship between the British monarchy and the Vatican.
King Charles, known for his deep faith and regular attendance at religious services, shares common ground with Pope Francis on environmental conservation and interfaith dialogue. Their meeting is expected to touch upon these shared interests, as well as the King's support for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.
Despite historical tensions stemming from the Reformation and King Henry VIII's separation from Rome, diplomatic relations between the UK and the Holy See have flourished since 1982. The Vatican's gesture of gifting relics of the True Cross for Charles' coronation in 2023 further symbolizes the strengthening ties between the two entities.
As part of their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will engage in activities to bolster the relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom, with engagements planned in Rome and Ravenna. The meeting between King Charles and Pope Francis is anticipated to culminate in an exchange of gifts, continuing the tradition of diplomatic gestures between the British monarchy and the Vatican.
With a shared commitment to peace, environmental stewardship, and religious tolerance, the upcoming visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Italy and the Vatican underscores the enduring bond between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church.
