Pope Francis' 'special' final meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla as he dies aged 88
The king and queen made a special visit during their state trip to ItalyPope Francis has died at the age of 88 just weeks after a surprise and “special” meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla in Italy.
On Monday (April 21), the Vatican announced the death of the Pope – the head of the Catholic Church.
Earlier this month, the king and queen had met with the Pope at the Vatican while on their state visit to Italy – which coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary.
The Pope had been recovering from life-threatening pneumonia and recently spent five weeks in hospital.
But, according to reports, he sent an invitation to Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, after their initial meeting became pushed back.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s ‘special’ moment with the Pope during Italy trip
On April 10, the royal family’s official social media posted a photograph from the meeting, with the caption: “Che occasione speciale!
“A special moment for Their Majesties as they privately met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday. The king and queen were deeply touched by the Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person.”
In the photograph, both Charles and Camilla wore black with the queen bending over to greet the Pope up close. The king stood holding a red box.
During their meeting Pope Francis wished the couple the best for their anniversary and exchanged gifts with the royals.
As news of the meeting got out, a spokesperson for 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.”
It came after reports claimed the Pope’s meeting with Charles and Camilla would be postponed after medical advice to rest.
Pope Francis death announced
On Easter Monday (April 21), the Vatican announced the death of the Pope in a statement.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news. The statement read: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
It added: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis’ final public appearance before his death
At the time of meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla, Pope Francis was recovering from double pneumonia.
He had left hospital on March 23, after spending five weeks battling the life-threatening case of pneumonia in both lungs.
On Easter Sunday (April 20), the Pope made his final public appearance. He attended a blessing at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.
King Charles himself has had health issues this past year. He continues his cancer treatment and recently faced a setback when he had a brief stint in hospital.
The king had suffered “temporary side-effects” from his cancer treatment, which led to him being observed in hospital.
As a result, the palace postponed his duties for a few days. However, the setback was described as “minor” and a week later, he returned to his duties.
Read more: Donald Trump looking forward to seeing ‘friend’ King Charles in ‘September’ for UK state visit
Leave your tributes to Pope Francis on our Facebook page.
