Originally published at National Catholic Register
Although Cardinal Parolin expressed hope that Pope Francis could meet King Charles of England as previewed, King Charles postponed his visit to the Vatican and Italy to a date to be set. Buckingham Palace stressed, on a March 25 release, that “medical advice suggested Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation.”
Until March 25, the King Charles program still included the audience with Pope Francis and the ecumenical prayer service in the Sistine Chapel, where the King, in his capacity of head of the Church of England, would have joined with Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church.
However, it was unclear how the program should have been adapted if the Pope was not able to actually meet the King – for instance, by lowering the level of those involved in the prayer service in the Sistine Chapel. King Charles solved the problem, making the decision to postpone the overal visit, which also including parts to Italy.
The King’s decision, however, shows that Pope Francis convalescence will not be easy, and that Pope Francis will have to consistently reduce his schedule of meetings.
Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital after
