King and Queen Postpone Vatican Visit Over Pope Francis Health Fears

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have postponed their state visit to the Vatican after doctors advised the Pope to rest following his ongoing illness.

The Context

Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 with a case of bronchitis that eventually developed into simultaneous bronchitis and pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pope left the hospital on Sunday, ending a 5-week stay that drew crowds of pilgrims and well-wishers who prayed outside the building for his swift recovery.

What To Know

According to a statement from Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the King and Queen's decision to postpone the visit was a "mutual agreement."

The King and Queen's broader state visit to Italy will still go ahead in April, though some adjustments will be made to the original itinerary.

What People Are Saying

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered."

Pope Francis wrote earlier this month on X, formerly Twitter: "Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope."

Cardinal Timothy Dolan wrote last month on X: "We're all very concerned about our beloved Pope Francis. I've been very moved that every day when they've given the medical update, they say that his heart is very strong – that doesn't surprise me at all. He's a man of the heart!"

Lia Pratico, a worshipper at the Argentine church in Rome, said: "It was a different church before [him]. It has changed from a niche church to a universal church because Pope Francis is everybody's pope, not just an Argentine pope."

Pope Francis said in an address about the Jubilee Year: "Recently, I have very much felt the support that comes from your closeness, particularly the prayers which you have been accompanying me with. Even though I can't be with you physically, I want to express my great joy in knowing that you are united to me, and among yourselves, in the Lord Jesus."

What Happens Next

Doctors say the pope needs two months of rest and convalescence at the Vatican, during which he should refrain from meeting with big groups of people or exerting himself.

The pope will return to the Vatican after getting a clean bill of health, but his doctors said his body will need "a lot of time" to fully heal after his battle with pneumonia.