King Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV

Britain's King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla will make a state visit to the Vatican in October, Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday.

The visit was originally planned for April as part of a larger trip to Italy, but had to be canceled on medical advice after Pope Francis' health deteriorated.

The royal couple were able to meet with the pope privately just a few weeks before his death, making them among the last heads of state to see him in person.

During the rescheduled visit, Charles and Camilla will meet with Pope Leo XIV and attend events for the Holy Year 2025.

According to Buckingham Palace, the visit is also intended to promote ecumenical cooperation between the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches.

British media reported that the program may also include a visit to the Sistine Chapel.

King Charles, the head of the Anglican Church, had previously met with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

(reuters, lud)