The King and Queen’s historic meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican took place this week, after initially being cancelled because of the Pope’s ill health.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - April 10th, 2025 - The King and Queen’s planned meeting with Pope Francis, organised to mark this year’s historic Catholic Jubilee, went ahead yesterday (9 April). It was initially cancelled because of the Pope’s ill health. Their meeting also coincided with their twentieth wedding anniversary.

The event took place at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope is recuperating. It was a briefer meeting than planned because of the Pope’s fragile health and their scheduled attendance at a Jubilee service in the Sistine Chapel had to be cancelled. Nonetheless, the King and Queen said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace that they were ‘delighted the Pope was well enough to host them – and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person’.

Lily Smith, a leading travel expert from Monasteries.com, says: ‘Last year, 30 million people flocked to the Eternal City but that figure is set to double for the Jubilee celebrations. 60 million visitors are likely to visit Rome over the year and, of course, that has an impact on the city’s available accommodation.

‘Vacant hotels and Italy’s traditional “pensiones” are already in short supply, even before the peak May and June Jubilee celebrations. Fortunately, our Jubilee insider’s online guide reveals there is another option. In keeping with this year’s events, visitors can stay in one of Rome’s many monasteries or convents. Many of these are throwing open their doors to the public. What could be a more fitting place to stay in Rome for the Jubilee events?’

‘To stay as close to Saint Peter’s Basilica as possible for Jubilee 2025, the guide lists a number of guesthouses within walking distance of the Vatican. For example, Casa per ferie - San Giuseppe della Montagna is located in the heart of Rome, close to the Vatican walls and the city’s historic centre. It’s a welcome sanctuary featuring a pleasant patio with a garden for basking in the Italian sunshine. Rooms are available from £83.17 a night, including bed & breakfast.

‘With King Charles and Pope Francis both having to rearrange their plans recently due to health concerns, there will have been lots of frantic activity behind the scenes to ensure the meeting finally took place. Fortunately, other trips to Rome are far easier to arrange. For more about staying in Rome on a budget during the Jubilee, see the full online guide at: https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/travelinspiration/where-to-stay-in-rome-for-jubilee-2025

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