The Vatican might be small, but it’s a crucial partnerpublished at 09:02 BST
Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent, reporting from the Vatican
Image source, Getty Images
The visit is focused on building links between religious groups, against the dramatic backdrop of the Vatican, but every state visit has its own strategic purpose.
The King’s spokesman put the trip in the context of a challenging world where international partnerships are more important than ever.
Stronger relations with the Vatican will be a “bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny”, said the King’s spokesman.
State visits, although full of ceremony and pageantry, are carried out on behalf of the government. And previous visits have emphasised the need for traditional allies to stand up against extremism and the threat of military aggression.
The Vatican might be a small state, but the Foreign Office highlighted its significance.
“The Catholic Church is the largest denomination of the world’s largest religion,” said a Foreign Office spokeswoman.
The King and Queen’s visit will “strengthen the UK’s relationship with this crucial and influential partner”, she said.
