Historic First as British Monarch Joins Pope in Prayer Amid Domestic Controversy
For the first time in half a millennium, a British king has publicly prayed alongside a pope during a state visit to the Vatican. This groundbreaking event, steeped in history, occurred against a backdrop of ongoing controversy surrounding a royal scandal back in the UK.
Under the awe-inspiring ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece by Michelangelo, King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV shared in a unique ecumenical service, the first of its kind since the Reformation period.
Prayers for Creation
The service was dedicated to the care of our planet, a topic that resonates deeply with both King Charles and Pope Leo. The Pope, alongside the Archbishop of York from the Church of England, presided over the service.
Witnessing the King and the Pope praying together symbolizes the strengthening ties between Catholics and Anglicans, a focal point of the visit. The royal couple had their first meeting with the recently elected Pope following their arrival in Rome to commemorate the holy Jubilee year, observed every 25 years.
Upon their arrival at the airport, they were welcomed by a delegation, which included the UK's ambassador to the Holy See. The visit is being seen as a crucial step towards mending the historical rift between the British monarchy and the papacy, dating back to 1534 when Henry VIII broke ties with Rome and established the Church of England.
Ecumenical Milestone
A Reverend from the Vatican, who works in the department for Promoting Christian Unity, underscored the significance of the visit. It was noted as the first time a royal visit encompassed an ecumenical aspect, aiming to build unity between Rome, the Church of England, and the broader Anglican community.
The joint participation of the Pope and the British monarch in the service, a sight unseen since pre-Reformation times, is made even more exceptional by its location within the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, accompanied by music from the Pope's choir and two of the King's choirs.
Further Ecumenical Participation and Honors
Later, the King and Queen will participate in another ecumenical service at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, a location with historical connections to the English Crown and the resting place of the apostle St. Paul. This basilica, maintained by past British monarchs, is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and is home to a community of Benedictine monks.
In a sign of spiritual fellowship and hospitality, Pope Leo will bestow upon King Charles the title of "Royal Confrater" of St. Paul's. To celebrate this honor, a throne-like chair adorned with the King's coat of arms and the Latin motto "Ut unum sint" ("That they may be one") will be permanently placed in the basilica for future use by his successors.
The Pope will also dub the King and Queen as knight and dame of the order of Pius IX. In return, King Charles will honor Pope Leo by making him a “Papal Confrater of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle” and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, a distinction typically bestowed upon heads of state.
Concluding the State Visit
The state visit will end with King Charles attending a reception at a seminary that trains priests from across the Commonwealth nations. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla will meet with six Catholic sisters from the International Union of Superiors General, who work towards encouraging female empowerment globally, including through girls’ education.
Despite past conflicts, the relationship between the Vatican and the British monarchy is characterized by mutual respect and warmth today, with full diplomatic relations having been established in 1982.
Originally, the royal couple was scheduled to visit the Vatican earlier, but the visit was postponed due to the Pope's declining health. Despite this, the King and Queen managed to visit the ailing pope privately two weeks before his passing. Charles, as Prince of Wales, previously visited Vatican City five times, and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, met with five different popes during her reign.
"Yes, there are differences and divisions, some of them very deep," said the Reverend. "But this (visit) is a reminder for everyone that what unites is more significant." A church historian from the University of Oxford agreed, stating that the Pope's formal favor towards Charles is of "genuine significance". He added, "It’s a nice goodwill gesture on the Vatican’s part, and goodwill gestures are always welcome."