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    You are at:Home»News»International»King Charles puts on display of Christian unity as he becomes first British monarch to pray with the Pope in 500 years
    International

    King Charles puts on display of Christian unity as he becomes first British monarch to pray with the Pope in 500 years

    Papa LincBy Papa LincOctober 23, 2025No Comments24 Mins Read1 Views
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    King Charles puts on display of Christian unity as he becomes first British monarch to pray with the Pope in 500 years
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    King Charles today became the first British monarch in 500 years to pray in public with a pope as he made a historic state visit to The Holy See.

    His Majesty, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, were introduced to Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace library – the traditional place for such meetings.

    Then, with three short words, the Pope ended almost half a millennium of division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England in the Sistine Chapel. ‘Let us pray,’ he said, as the King stood to his left.

    The King and Queen had earlier arrived at the ceremonial entrance to the palace in the San Damaso Courtyard, having been driven through iconic St Peter’s Square.

    The couple were greeted by the Regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, Reverend Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza.

    Camilla wore a Fiona Clare black silk dress, Philip Treacy mantilla and a ‘raspberry pip’ brooch in the shape of a cross, which previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

    As per tradition Pope Leo was waiting inside the palace to greet his visitors.

    In footage released by Vatican Media, the King and Queen could be seen getting out of their State Bentley with Camilla saying: ‘Lovely to be here.’

    After walking through the Apostolic Palace they were greeted by the Pope who said: ‘Good morning, welcome.’

    The King replied: ‘Your Holiness, it’s such a pleasure to meet you if I may say so. You are so kind to see us.’

    Posing for official photographs he also quipped: ‘Constant hazard, the cameras.’

    The Pope added: ‘You get used to it.’

    King Charles puts on display of Christian unity as he becomes first British monarch to pray with the Pope in 500 years

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Pope Leo XIV at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican this morning

    Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican this morning 

    Charles and Pope Leo XIV walking together after an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel

    Charles and Pope Leo XIV walking together after an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel

    Pope Leo XIV sits with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a private audience today

    Pope Leo XIV sits with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a private audience today

    King Charles III says goodbye to Pope Leo XIV in the San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III says goodbye to Pope Leo XIV in the San Damaso Courtyard today

    Charles and Pope Leo XIV walking together after an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel

    Charles and Pope Leo XIV walking together after an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla drive away from Pope Leo XIV this afternoon

     King Charles III and Queen Camilla drive away from Pope Leo XIV this afternoon

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Pope Leo XIV at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Pope Leo XIV at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Pope Leo XIV exchanging gifts with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during today's visit

    Pope Leo XIV exchanging gifts with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during today’s visit

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla say goodbye to Pope Leo XIV in the San Damaso Courtyard

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla say goodbye to Pope Leo XIV in the San Damaso Courtyard

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square after the service

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square after the service

    King Charles meets with the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin this morning

    King Charles meets with the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin this morning

    Pope Leo XIV, Charles and Camilla attending an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel

    Pope Leo XIV, Charles and Camilla attending an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel 

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla drive away from Pope Leo XIV this afternoon

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla drive away from Pope Leo XIV this afternoon

    Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican this morning

    Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican this morning

    Pope Leo XIV greets King Charles III during a private audience at the Vatican this morning

    Pope Leo XIV greets King Charles III during a private audience at the Vatican this morning

    Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican today

    Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel today

    Pope Leo XIV exchanging gifts with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during today's visit

    Pope Leo XIV exchanging gifts with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during today’s visit

    Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (second left), Pope Leo XIV (third left) and King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel at Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel at Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    The Band of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City prepare for the King and Queen's visit

    The Band of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City prepare for the King and Queen’s visit 

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem attend the meeting today

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem attend the meeting today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    They then sat down to chat with the King telling his host: ‘I am so thrilled.’

    At the official exchange of gifts, the King indicated to his and said: ‘A small token of my esteem and appreciation.’

    The day’s ceremonial events began with a Guard of Honour provided by the iconic Swiss Guard and the playing of both the British and Vatican City national anthems.

    Their Majesties were also met by a group of ‘Papal Gentlemen’ and the ‘Gentlemen of the Pope’, Prince of Windisch-Gaetz, Mariano Hugo, before being guided inside.

    The Swiss Guards are one of the oldest and most prestigious European military forces, drawn exclusively from Roman Catholic Swiss citizens who have completed military training. They fulfill ceremonial functions and form the Pope’s bodyguard.

    After the King and Queen were introduced to the pope, there was an exchange of gifts – with His Majesty presenting the Catholic leader with a large silver photograph, and Icon of St Edward the Confessor.

    The Pope presented His Majesty with a scale version of the mosaic of ‘Christ Pantocrator’, in the Norman Cathedral of Cefalu, in Sicily. The mosaic was made in the Vatican.

    The King also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Cardinal Secretary of State, who attended his coronation in May 2023.

    The Cardinal was the first papal representative to attend the Coronation of a British monarch for almost 500 years.

    Invited guests arrive at San Damaso Courtyard in Vatican City for the state visit this morning

    Invited guests arrive at San Damaso Courtyard in Vatican City for the state visit this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    A woman kisses the hand of Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Vatican this morning

    A woman kisses the hand of Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Vatican this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    A pilgrim holds a cross at Vatican City today as he awaits the arrival of the King and Queen

    A pilgrim holds a cross at Vatican City today as he awaits the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza waits for the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla today

    Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza waits for the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    The visit comes 40 years after Queen Elizabeth II banned the King from taking part in a papal Mass when he visited Vatican City with former wife Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. 

    Charles, 76, who has been a life-long advocate for better inter-Faith dialogue and relations, had been keen to join Pope John Paul II in prayer. 

    The then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, wrote to the Vatican to say that the Prince and Princess of Wales would like to attend a service.

    While the Pope’s office initially agreed to make the arrangements, Buckingham Palace later contacted them overruling the decision, saying a Papal audience would be sufficient during their 17-day tour of Italy.

    Britain and the Vatican had only established full diplomatic relations three years earlier after a rift of more than four and a half centuries following Henry VIII’s decision to break with the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s when it refused to allow him to divorce Katharine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn.

    The 1534 Act of Supremacy saw Henry proclaim himself and his successors head of the Church of England.

    However King Charles, now Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and Pope Leo XIV today took part in an ecumenical service – one that involves a number of Christian faiths – in the historic Sistine Chapel as they mark the Catholic Church’s 2025 ‘Jubilee year’, which takes place every quarter of a century.

    Buckingham Palace has confirmed it was the first time since the Reformation of the 1530s that a British sovereign took part in a public act of worship with the leader of the Catholic Church – and described it as a ‘significant moment in relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England’.

    They added that it recognised the ecumenical work both men had taken in their lives and reflected the Jubilee’s theme of walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem attend the meeting today

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem attend the meeting today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    The Band of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City prepare for the King and Queen's visit

    The Band of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City prepare for the King and Queen’s visit

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    A man kisses the hand of Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Vatican this morning

    A man kisses the hand of Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Vatican this morning 

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Queen Camilla during a visit to the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City this morning

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today 

    Also today, the King looked visibly moved as he was made ‘Royal Confrater’ of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.

    Charles and Camilla attended a service and held prayers at the Tomb of St Paul.

    Cardinal James Harvey Archpriest of St Paul’s Basilica spoke to the service about the ‘road of reconciliation’ between Church of England and Catholic Church.

    And spoke of ‘hope for the future’ after the King and Pope met for prayer in the Sistine Chapel earlier in the day.

    Charles and Camilla entered through the Holy Doors with Dom Donato Olgiari Abbott of Basilica and Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of St Paul’s Basilica.

    They first went downstairs to the Tomb of St Paul where they had a private moment of reflection and prayer.

    In the apse, the King sat in a specially created seat, displaying His Majesty’s Coat of Arms.

    The seat, which will also be used by his heirs and successors, is a gift celebrating becoming Royal Confrater of the Abbey of St. Paul. The title is a spiritual expression of brotherhood in recognition of his interfaith work over decades and the work that has gone on between the two churches over the years.

    James Harvey, Archpriest of St Paul’s Basilica, spoke of an ‘old bond’ with the UK and gave his ‘heartfelt welcome’.

    Addressing the King’s earlier historic meeting with Pope Leo XIV, he said: ‘It is no longer unusual for British sovereign to meet with Bishop of Rome today saw a new step along the road of reconciliation .

    He said ‘today cannot be underestimated’, adding: ‘For the first time since the separation of the 16th century the pope and monarch shared an act of worship.’

    King Charles III attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles III attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles III sits in a specially created seat, displaying his Coat of Arms, given as a gift

    King Charles III sits in a specially created seat, displaying his Coat of Arms, given as a gift

    A seat given as a gift in honour of the King becoming Royal Confrater of the Abbey

    A seat given as a gift in honour of the King becoming Royal Confrater of the Abbey

    King Charles attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles III attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles III attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles III and Camilla visit the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul's Outside the Walls

    King Charles III and Camilla visit the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls

    King Charles attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    King Charles attends the ceremony of his appointment as Royal Confrater of Saint Paul

    He also spoke of celebrating ‘many positive developments’ towards ‘Christian unity’ giving ‘hope for the future’.

    And to ‘mark the visit’ he the King was made Royal Confrater – in recognition of spiritual fellowship.’

    The Cardinal announced he was ‘grateful’ to the Pope for agreeing and ‘deeply honoured’ the King has accepted.

    Vincent Nicholls, Archbishop of Westminster Cathedral, read a prayer saying: ‘For all who bear the burdens of illness or are weighed down by pain: That the sick may find strength in the companionship of Jesus, and in his Passion know their salvation. Lord, in your mercy.’

    King Charles himself has been having regular cancer treatment for the past year and half.

    Before leaving he paused by a mosaic of Pope Adrian from the 12th century – the only British Pope.

    The King and Queen also met Marco Picalarga, chair crafter.

    And they were given an extremely warm welcome outside as they undertook a short walkabout and were greeted with cries of ‘God Save the King’.

    The Children of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, also performed during the service.

    St Paul’s Outside the Walls is in Rome and outside the Vatican City but is recognised as the Papal Basilica.

    It is currently celebrating its Jubilee Year and is a place of pilgrimage.

    The Kin laterg met members of the Vatican’s diplomatic corp on his final state visit engagement at a reception celebrating the historic day’s ecumenical services.

    Charles and Camilla were welcomed together the Pontifical Beda College by Father Mark Cassidy, rector of the Pontifical Scots College and Canon Marcus Holden, rector of the Pontifical Beda College. Before the Queen went to do a solo engagement with a group of Sisters, she said their experience of the Vatican had been ‘absolutely beautiful’, adding: ‘I couldn’t believe it. We had a wonderful tour.’

    The Beda college is a seminary for the formation of Commonwealth priests and the temporary home of the Pontifical Scots College, the seminary for the formation of priests in Scotland.

    With a cup of tea in hand, Charles made his way around several groups including trainee priests from across the Commonwealth, representatives from religious colleges and Catholic organisations and Commonwealth ambassadors working at the Holy See.

    Chatting to one group, he asked about their studies or jobs. ‘Are you in a monastry now?’ he asked one. Thanked for coming, he replied: ‘Oh you are kind.’

    After being presented with the gift of a bronze sculpture of St Bede, Charles unveiled a plaque and watered a Seville orange tree to mark the royal visit to the Vatican.

    As he unveiled the plaque, the King was told: ‘There have been many firsts in your visit. Your presence represents the first visit of a reigning monarchy to one of our seminaries in recent times.

    ‘Thank you for fostering unity today, forged in prayer.’

    Today marks Their Majesties’ first meeting with Pope Leo since his election in May.

    The couple met briefly in private with the previous incumbent, Pope Francis, when they visited in April but had to cancel several planned engagements with him due to his ill health.

    While the King sits down for talks with Pope Leo, Her Majesty viewed the Pauline Chapel, which houses Michaelangelo’s last two frescoes of St Peter and St Paul.

    Both the King and Queen then joined the Pope for the special ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel, focused on the theme of ‘Care for Creation’.

    This reflects Pope Leo’s and His Majesty’s commitment to the protection of Nature and concern for the environment.

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Invited guests arrive at San Damaso Courtyard in Vatican City for the state visit this morning

    Invited guests arrive at San Damaso Courtyard in Vatican City for the state visit this morning

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    A clergy member adjusts his zucchetto next to a Swiss Guard at Vatican City this morning

    A clergy member adjusts his zucchetto next to a Swiss Guard at Vatican City this morning

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles III is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    A member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem waits to meet Pope Leo

    A member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem waits to meet Pope Leo

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles and Queen Camilla listen national anthems at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles and Queen Camilla listen national anthems at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    The Royal Standard flying at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Their Majesties, accompanied by Pope Leo, attended the special ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel, marking the joining of hands between the Catholic Church and Church of England.

    The King and Queen were first to take their seats on a stage facing the congregation, before Pope Leo and the Archbishop of York entered a few minutes later, signalling the start of the service.

    The Children of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, performed in another sign of friendship, accompanied by the Sistine Chapel Choir.

    The Choir of the Sistine Chapel and Lay Clerks from Windsor then sang two Psalms together.

    The service included an introduction by Pope Leo and the Archbishop of York and a reading from the Letter to the Romans by the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper.

    At the conclusion of the service, The King, accompanied by Pope Leo, moved to the ‘Sala Regia’, a room next door to the Chapel.

    The Queen remained in the Sistine Chapel to meet the Choirs.

    The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. The Chapel’s walls were decorated in the 15th century and feature stories of Moses and Christ and portraits of Popes.

    From 1508 to 1512 Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, before being commissioned in 1533 to paint the Last Judgement on the altar wall.

    The Sistine Chapel is also the site of the Papal Conclave, for the election of the Supreme Pontiff, which most recently took place in May this year.

    In another significant and historic step today, the couple visited the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls.

    One of the four major Papal Basilicas, it is the one most closely associated with the Catholic Church’s ecumenical commitment and has historic links with the English Crown.

    For centuries, the heraldic shield of the Abbey has been surrounded by the insignia of the Order of the Garter, the UK’s highest order of chivalry.

    The King and the Pope also joined a meeting on sustainability.

    Before he departed, Charles attended a reception at The Pontifical Beda College, a seminary which trains priests from across the Commonwealth, meeting students and members of the British and Vatican community.

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem wait to meet Pope Leo

    Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem wait to meet Pope Leo

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the courtyard of San Damaso

    King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the courtyard of San Damaso

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    Pope Leo XIV meets with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards stand ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    Workers set up a red carpet at Vatican City today ahead of the arrival of the King and Queen

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen's arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    Swiss Guards march ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla are welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard today

    A member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem waits to meet Pope Leo

    A member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem waits to meet Pope Leo

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Queen Camilla is welcomed by officials at San Damaso Courtyard at Vatican City today

    Meanwhile, Her Majesty met six Catholic Sisters from The International Union of Superiors General, who are working around the world at grassroots level to support female empowerment, through girls’ education programmes, improved access to healthcare, climate action, peace building and tackling sexual violence and human trafficking.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: ‘At a time of global instability and conflict, the UK’s relationship with the Holy See is more important than ever – and this historic State Visit will be a key moment to strengthen this relationship.

    ‘The Holy See has been a key actor on the international stage, promoting peace, effective measures to combat climate change and promote human dignity. 

    ‘The Catholic Church is the largest denomination of the world’s largest religion; it is the world’s largest non-state education provider, educating 68 million students worldwide, and delivers a quarter of the world’s healthcare.

    ‘His Majesty’s visit will therefore strengthen the UK’s relationship with this crucial and influential partner, helping to deliver on the Government’s priorities – from promoting peace and security around the world to working with our international partners to tackle climate change.’



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