The Vatican released a photo on Thursday showing Pope Francis meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the British monarch’s state visit to Italy the day before.
The meeting came as a surprise, since Buckingham Palace had previously cancelled the planned audience due to the 88-year-old pope’s fragile health. Pope Francis is still recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that kept him in the hospital for five weeks.
This was the first time Charles, now head of the Church of England, met with the pope since becoming king in 2022. The two leaders, both facing health issues, exchanged good wishes during their 20-minute conversation.
The meeting also coincided with Charles and Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary. According to both the Vatican and the Palace, Pope Francis congratulated the royal couple on the occasion.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said, “Their Majesties were delighted the Pope was well enough to host them — and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.”
Charles, 76, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. He was briefly hospitalized two weeks ago due to side effects but resumed royal duties on April 1.
Pope Francis has been recovering at the Vatican since March 23. Although doctors advised him to rest for two months, he made a surprise appearance last Sunday in St. Peter’s Square after Mass. The Vatican reported earlier this week that his voice and mobility are improving, raising hopes he may take part in Easter celebrations.
While the pope has been using a breathing aid at night, he was not wearing it in the photo released on Thursday.