Pope Francis has stepped out in St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, giving blessings to onlookers from his wheelchair as he recovered from a hospital stay last month.
The appearance comes days after Buckingham Palace revealed that the pontiff had a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Vatican, where he wished them a happy 20th wedding anniversary.
The meeting, which lasted 20 minutes, took place on the third day of the royal state visit to Italy, ahead of a banquet in Rome.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen said they were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person".
Pope Francis has stepped out in St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, giving blessings to onlookers from his wheelchair as he recovered from a hospital stay last month
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A picture post on the Royal Family social media account said they were "deeply touched by The Pope's kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary".
In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope shared "his best wishes" with the couple as they marked their marriage milestone.
It added he also "reciprocated his wishes to His Majesty for a speedy recovery of his health".
The King and Queen exchanged gifts during the surprise meeting.
It is the first appearance the Pontiff has made since Buckingham Palace revealed that he had a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla
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Palm Sunday is the weekend before Easter, when many Christian churches celebrate Christ's entry into Jerusalem with processions in which branches of palms are carried.
Previous plans for the couple to meet the pontiff in a state visit to the Vatican were postponed because of the Pope's ill health.
The pontiff suffered from double pneumonia, with many Catholics having feared for his life.
The hospital stay has been the longest of his 12-year papacy.
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Pope Francis wished King Charles and Queen Camilla a happy 20th wedding anniversary during their meeting
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King Charles and Queen Camilla have now returned to the UK following the tour, which has been considered widely successful.
The royal couple have retreated to their Birkhall home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
They are expected to attend the Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle and the Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on April 17.
