Charles Arrives in Vatican to Meet, Pray With Pope

Vatican city: King Charles III arrived at the Vatican on Thursday to pay a historic visit to Pope Leo, during which he will become the first British monarch to pray in public with a pontiff since the Church of England split from Catholicism five centuries ago.

According to Ansa News Agency, a motorcade transporting King Charles and Queen Camilla entered St. Peter’s Square, passing through the Arch of the Bells to reach the San Damaso Courtyard, where they were greeted by a guard of honour. Charles, who arrived in Rome on Wednesday and is also the leader of the Anglican Church, is having a private meeting with the head of the Catholic Church at the Apostolic Palace. This marks their first encounter since Leo became pope this year.

Following the private meeting, Charles and Camilla are taking part in a service in the Sistine Chapel led by Pope Leo and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.