In an unprecedented diplomatic and ecumenical gesture, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are currently undertaking a royal visit to Rome, where they have conducted a historic audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo. The primary objective of this visit is to fortify the relationship between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. The British monarch serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, while the Pontiff is the head of the Catholic Church, two denominations whose schism originated with King Henry VIII’s break from papal authority in 1534.
In a powerful symbol of reconciliation, King Charles and Pope Leo convened within the Sistine Chapel for a joint prayer service. The solemn ceremony, conducted beneath the renowned frescoed ceiling of Renaissance master Michelangelo, assembled both Catholic and Anglican clergy, and featured a collaborative performance by the Royal Choir and the Sistine Chapel Choir.
This momentous occasion marks the first joint prayer between the heads of these two churches since the 16th century. Consequently, King Charles has become the first reigning British monarch to pray with a pope since the reign of Henry VIII.
The King and Queen, accompanied by Pope Leo, have attended a special service in the Sistine Chapel, marking the joining of hands between the Catholic Church and Church of England, in a celebration of ecumenism.
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A statement released by the King’s press secretary underscored that reinforcing the alliance between these two principal Christian denominations constitutes a “bulwark against those promoting conflict, division, and tyranny.” The communiqué further elaborated on the imperative of fostering unity, faith, and fellowship within global Christian communities.
Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, has consistently advocated for mutual respect both within and between diverse faiths. This significant encounter is widely perceived as a seminal step forward in interdenominational relations. The Pontiff is anticipated to undertake further historic visits to Turkey and Lebanon, nations with Muslim-majority populations that also host significant Christian communities.
The royal couple had previously met with Pope Francis in a private audience in early 2025, prior to his passing. A full state visit was scheduled for April but was postponed due to the Pontiff’s declining health. Their private meeting on April 9th, which coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary, was among the late Pope’s final official engagements before his death on April 21st.
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