King Charles to Make History with Public Prayer alongside Pope Leo

Rome: King Charles III is set to meet Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican on Thursday, marking a historic occasion as he becomes the first British monarch to pray in public with a pontiff since the Church of England’s split from Catholicism five centuries ago. Charles, who is also the leader of the Anglican Church, arrived in Rome with Queen Camilla on Wednesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, King Charles will have a private meeting with the head of the Catholic Church at the Apostolic Palace. This meeting will be their first encounter since Leo ascended to the papacy earlier this year. Following their private discussion, King Charles and Queen Camilla will participate in a service in the Sistine Chapel. The service will be led by Pope Leo XIV and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

This event signifies a momentous step in fostering unity and dialogue between the Anglican and Catholic Churches. The public prayer and joint service in such a historic setting underscore the importance of this meeting, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bridge centuries-old divisions.