King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to mark their 20th wedding anniversary with a historic visit to the Holy See. On Tuesday, 8 April, the royal couple will join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 jubilee, an event of great significance for the Catholic Church. The visit is contingent on Pope Francis's health, as he is currently undergoing hospital treatment for double pneumonia.
The 2025 jubilee, traditionally held every 25 years, is a year dedicated to reconciliation, prayer, and walking together as 'Pilgrims of Hope'. It will be a significant occasion for both the King and Queen and Pope Francis, as they share a commitment to themes such as 'care for creation'. This theme will be central to a service held in the Sistine Chapel during their visit, reflecting both Pope Francis’s and the King’s dedication to environmental issues.
"On Tuesday 8 April, and clearly subject to Pope Francis’s health, their majesties will visit the Holy See to join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 jubilee." – A Buckingham Palace spokesman
During their time at the Vatican, King Charles and Queen Camilla will have an audience with Pope Francis. The meeting will be an opportunity for the leaders to discuss shared interests and commitments, particularly in the realm of environmental stewardship. The visit aligns with the couple's broader state visit to Italy, which coincides with their wedding anniversary on 9 April.
The celebration of their anniversary in such a unique manner underscores the couple’s dedication not only to each other but also to global issues and faith-based initiatives. The jubilee's theme of 'care for creation' is especially significant given the King’s long-standing advocacy for nature and sustainability.
