Queen Elizabeth to Meet Pope Francis for the First Time

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Apr 03, 2014

Queen Elizabeth to Meet Pope Francis for the First Time

Queen Elizabeth II will meet Pope Francis today during her visit to Rome, the first international trip the Queen has taken in over two years. While the Queen has met four predecessors of the Pope, she has not spent time with Pope Francis.

The visit at the Vatican will be private, and it is not known what issues will be discussed.

Britain’s ambassador to the Vatican Nigel Baker said that the meeting will “help to strengthen the relationship” between the Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Francis.

"It is extraordinary how far relations between Britain and the Holy See, and between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church, have developed since 1952 when she became Queen," Baker said.

According to Christianity Today, Her Majesty the Queen also holds the title of ‘Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.’ Queen Elizabeth II is known for her deep-seated Christian faith and often shares a biblical message with her country at Christmastime broadcasted on BBC.

Last year the Queen said in her speech, “For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people.”

Publication date: April 3, 2014



Queen Elizabeth to Meet Pope Francis for the First Time