Prince Charles meets Pope - and gives him Highgrove hamper to feed the poor

The Prince of Wales at the  Venerable English College in Rome UKinHolySee/Twitter

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the Vatican in Rome today and met Pope Francis for the first time.

They gave him a hamper of their famous home-grown organic food from the Highgrove Estate - for the Pope to pass on to the poor.

It was Prince Charles' fourth visit to the Holy See.

The Royal couple met Pope Francis at the Paul VI Hall.

It was the first time that they had met.

They discussed a 'number of topics of mutual interest', according to the British Embassy to the Holy See.

Pope Francis presented Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall with a bronze representation of an olive branch.

They gave the Pope a hamper of food from the Royal Estate at Highgrove, to be shared among the poor and homeless, according to the British Embassy to the Holy See.

Accompanied by Foreign minister Sir Alan Duncan, they went on to meet the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

A main theme of the visit was the environment. Prince Charles joined a round-table discussion with senior Holy See officials on the subject.

They also visited the Vatican Secret Archives and the Vatican Library, and were able to see a few of the valuable historic documents held in both collections.

Prince Charles also met many of the British community working at the Holy See at a small reception at the English College.

Looking out for the poor and homeless, and caring for the environment, are two of the main passions of Pope Francis, as they are of the Prince of Wales. 

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.