King Charles III Prays with Pope Leo, Bridging 500 Years of History

King Charles III and Queen Camilla participated in a historic meeting with Pope Leo on October 23, 2023, in the Vatican. This event marks the first time in half a millennium that a British monarch engaged in prayer with the Pope, following the Church of England’s split from the Holy See. The gathering at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside Walls highlights a significant moment in the long-standing relationship between Britain and the Vatican.

The royal couple’s visit coincided with the Vatican’s Jubilee, a year dedicated to penance and forgiveness that occurs every 25 years. According to The New York Times, the meeting is seen as an important gesture of reconciliation and unity. Earlier in the day, Charles and Camilla had a private audience with the Pope, where they exchanged gifts, further solidifying ties between the two institutions.

During their time at the Vatican, the couple was honored with an honorary title of Royal Confrater, recognizing historical links between the British monarchy and the Vatican that date back to the Saxon period, prior to the Reformation. As part of the ceremonial proceedings, the Pope received a photograph of St. Edward the Confessor, while Charles and Camilla were presented with a mosaic of Christ Pantocrator.

Following the exchange of gifts, the trio moved to the Sistine Chapel, where they engaged in prayer. This moment is reportedly the first instance of a British monarch praying with a pope, marking a significant milestone in ecumenical relations.

After the prayer session, the group proceeded to St. Paul’s, where King Charles III was gifted a specially crafted chair featuring his coat of arms and a Latin inscription that translates to “That they may be one.” The Vatican confirmed that this chair will be available for use by Charles, his heirs, and successors during future visits to the chapel, symbolizing a lasting legacy of unity.

The historic nature of this meeting has drawn attention from various media outlets, including the BBC, which noted the profound implications of such an engagement between the head of the Church of England and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church after centuries of division.

King Charles III’s visit to the Vatican not only emphasizes the ongoing dialogue between the two churches but also reflects a broader commitment to fostering connections that transcend historical divides. As the world watches, this event serves as a reminder of the potential for reconciliation and understanding in an increasingly complex global landscape.