King Charles has become the first British monarch to pray with a Pope in 500 years.
The King took part in a historic ceremony alongside Pope Leo XIV as part of the Papal Jubilee festivities, which occur once every quarter-century.
King Charles joined the Pope in public prayer for the first time since the Reformation during an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel.
The unprecedented religious gathering is the centrepiece of the King and Queen’s two-day official visit to the Vatican, which commenced yesterday evening when the royal couple touched down in Rome.
King Charles has become the first British monarch to pray with a Pope in 500 years.
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Reuters
King Charles and Queen Camilla held a private audience with the Pope before the ceremony.
The royals stood on either side of Pope Leo for an official photograph of the meeting.
As King Charles and Pope Leo met inside the Vatican, the King mentioned the cameras recording the historic event were a “constant hazard”.
Pope Leo told King Charles: “You get used to it”.
The royals stood on either side of Pope Leo for an official photograph of the meeting.
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Reuters
A permanent throne will be installed at the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls specifically for the King, which will be preserved for use by future British sovereigns visiting the holy site.
King Charles will receive the title of “Royal Confrater” from the Benedictine Abbey associated with the basilica, acknowledging the British Crown’s centuries-old financial support for maintaining St Paul’s tomb.
The royal programme includes a reception at the Pontifical Beda College, which prepares Catholic priests from Commonwealth nations, whilst the Queen Consort has scheduled meetings with six religious sisters representing the International Union of Superiors General.
King Charles and Queen Camilla held a private audience with the Pope before the ceremony.
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Reuters
The Vatican journey was originally scheduled for April but had to be rescheduled when Pope Francis fell ill, though the royal couple did manage a private audience with him before his death later that month.
This marks the King’s third papal encounter, having previously met Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II during their respective tenures.
The State Visit concludes with the King attending the seminary reception whilst Queen Camilla engages with the Catholic sisters’ delegation.
Palace sources indicate the visit holds particular personal importance for the King, representing a milestone in Anglican-Catholic relations nearly five centuries after England’s break with Rome.