King Charles to meet Pope Leo XIV in Vatican visit

King Charles is set for a groundbreaking meeting with Pope Leo XIV during a state visit to Vatican City next month, according to reports.

The monarch and Queen Camilla will embark on a two-day trip to the city-state within Rome, marking their only overseas tour this autumn. 

The visit had originally been scheduled for April, but plans were postponed due to the declining health of Pope Francis, who later passed away on April 21.

 This meeting will mark the first time Charles has officially met with the newly appointed pontiff, making it a significant moment in relations between the British monarchy and the Holy See.

Royal sources say the King remains eager to carry out foreign visits, highlighting his commitment to diplomacy. This year alone, Charles has hosted two major state visits in Windsor, welcoming leaders from France and, most recently, the United States. A third visit is said to be planned soon.

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