King Charles meets with Pope Leo in historic state visit

 VATICAN CITY – Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a historic visit to the Holy See on Thursday to meet with Pope Leo XIV, where, following a private audience with the pontiff, the three prayed together in the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican said. This marks the first time an English monarch has prayed in the Vatican since before the Reformation.

 The two heads of state are also both heads of their respective churches, Leo of the Roman Catholic Church and Charles of the Anglican. Charles, in his role as monarch of the United Kingdom, is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England – a role which came about following Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy in 1534, officially severing England’s ties with the Catholic Church.

 Thus, Charles joining the pope in prayer marks the first time in over 500 years that an English monarch has prayed in the Vatican. Charles is also only the second monarch following the English Reformation to make a state visit to the Holy See, the first being his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This visit is historic and marks a step towards reconciliation between the Anglican and Catholic churches. The King’s spokesperson said in a statement that a strong relationship between the two churches is a “bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny.”

 The meeting on Thursday focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability, a cause for which Charles has long been outspoken. The Holy See said that during "cordial talks", "matters of common interest were discussed such as environmental protection and the fight against poverty." The statement stressed that "particular attention was given to the shared commitment to promoting peace and security in the face of global challenges." The talks closed with "a shared reflection on the need to continue promoting ecumenical dialogue." 

 The service in the Sistine Chapel was jointly presided over by the pontiff and the CoE’s Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, and featured singing from the Sistine Chapel Choir, the England’s Choir of St George’s Chapel and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal.

 Charles and Camilla also visited the Basilica of St Paul Outside of the Walls in Rome, where the King was bestowed the title of “royal confrater.” Notably, however, the Holy See only referred to Charles as "King" and did not acknowledge his title as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, reflecting its tradition of not recognising Anglican priestly orders. 

 King Charles and Queen Camilla had been set to meet Pope Leo’s predecessor, Francis, in April, however it was postponed due to the late pope’s ill health. 

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