King Charles becomes first British monarch to pray with Pope in 500 years during Vatican visit
The King and Pope Leo XIV made history when they prayed together in a symbolic moment of unity for Anglicans and Roman Catholics across the globe.
The King and Queen are in Vatican City to formally meet Pope Leo XIV as part of their state visit to the Holy See.
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The Pontiff led the prayer during the ecumenical service in the Vatican’s famous Sistine Chapel, likely to be seen as another milestone in the journey of the two churches.
It was the first time a British monarch, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, had prayed at a public service with the Pope, head of the Catholic Church, since the Reformation.
Charles and Camilla, making a two-day state visit to the Vatican, sat together a few metres from Pope Leo at the front of the congregation which featured ranks of cardinals.
At the end of the short service Pope Leo led the symbolic moment with the words: “Let us pray.”He went on to say: “God our Father, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to see your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children.
“Through Christ our Lord.”
The royal couple stood as the national anthems of Britain and the Vatican City were played. They also met a group of Papal Gentlemen.
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The Queen wore a traditional black outfit to meet the Pope, including a veil over her head and shoulders. Her silk dress was by Fiona Clare, milliner Philip Treacy made the mantilla or veil, and she wore the late Queen’s “raspberry pip” brooch in the shape of cross.
The state visit to the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church in the Vatican, is understood to be deeply significant for the King personally and will celebrate the Papal Jubilee, held every 25 years.
Later, during an ecumenical service in the famous Sistine Chapel, the King, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, became the first British monarch to pray at a public service with the Pope, head of the Catholic Church, since the Reformation.
After the ceremonial welcome the King and Queen were led by Monsignor Sapienza into the Apostolic Palace to meet Pope Leo.