King Charles to Pray with Pope in Historic Vatican Visit
King Charles will make history next week as the first reigning English monarch since Henry VIII to pray publicly with a pope. During his state visit to the Vatican on October 22-23, the king and Queen Camilla will join Pope Leo XIV for an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel. This marks a key moment in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, which Charles leads as Supreme Governor.
The royals will also visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, a site historically linked to the English crown, dating back to Saxon kings who supported the upkeep of St Paul’s tomb. As a gesture of goodwill, King Charles will be named “royal confrater” of the basilica, a title recognizing spiritual fellowship.
A special chair with the king’s coat of arms has been created for him to use during the service, which will remain at the basilica as a lasting symbol of respect between the pope and the monarch.
This visit is the first time since the Reformation that a British monarch will pray with the pope, highlighting the improving relations between the two faiths. The Church of England noted that the king’s acceptance of this title represents ongoing efforts for unity between Anglicans and Catholics.
Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit the Vatican in 1961, but this marks a new milestone for the royal family’s engagement with the Holy See.
