By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 30 Jun 2014 • 9:42
NEWLY crowned King Felipe VI of Spain and his wife, Queen Letizia, made their first official state visit to the Vatican where they had an audience with Pope Francis.
Ties between the Spanish royal family and the Vatican have always been strong. Felipe’s father, King Juan Carlos, recently met Pope Francis before his abdication from the throne.
Felipe, 46, was proclaimed king in a relatively modest ceremony to which no foreign royals or institutional representatives were invited.
Spain is historically a Roman Catholic country, but Felipe broke with tradition at his coronation by not having a religious ceremony to mark his enthronement.
The decision to meet the Pope for their first official trip abroad has drawn criticism for the new monarchs.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Garcia-Magallo said the new King is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
In a statement released on Sunday, The Vatican has revealed plans for Pope Francis to visit Spain in 2015, a trip that will include Santiago de Compostela, to commemorate the pilgrimage of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.