King Charles's historic visit to Italy in doubt as key figure remains hospitalized
King Charles’ most anticipated state visit to Italy and the Vatican is in jeopardy as Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, where his situation has been described as “complex.”
If the meeting, scheduled for April, does take place, it would mark the King's first meeting with the Pope since ascending to the throne and comes during a special Jubilee Year for the Church.
However, the Pope's ill health has raised concerns about the royal meeting, and Buckingham Palace is closely monitoring the situation.
Despite moments of stability, Pope’s prognosis is still guarded as he experienced two episodes of respiratory failure earlier this week.
The doctors have not indicated when he may be well enough to leave the hospital.
A Palace source told the Mirror that preparations are still in place, adding, “Our fondest prayers continue to be with the Pope and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Even, If the meeting with the Pope does not take place, King Charles and Queen Camilla's planned visit to the Vatican's Sistine Chapel is still expected to proceed.
