King Charles will become the first British monarch in 500 years to pray in public with a pope

[Augusta]

King Charles will become the first British monarch in 500 years to pray in public with a pope when he makes a historic visit to the Vatican City next week.

The 76-year-old monarch will take part in an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel with Pope Leo XIV as they mark the Catholic Church's 2025 'Jubilee year'.

Buckingham Palace says it is the first time since Henry VIII's Reformation of the 1530s that a sovereign - and Head of the Church of England - has taken part in a public act of worship with the leader of the Catholic Church.

In recognition of his lifetime of campaigning on issues of inter-faith harmony, Pope Leo will make Charles a 'Royal Confrater' of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul's Outside the Walls.

 

[gwolf666]

This upcoming meeting between King Charles and Pope Leo XIV is truly historic and symbolic on many levels. For the first time in half a millennium, a British monarch and head of the Church of England will publicly pray alongside the head of the Catholic Church. That alone speaks volumes about how far interfaith relations have come since the turbulent days of Henry VIII’s Reformation. Rather than division and hostility, we’re seeing gestures of unity and mutual respect between two major Christian institutions.
King Charles has long been an advocate for interfaith understanding, and this act reinforces his personal commitment to building bridges rather than walls. It’s not just a ceremonial event — it represents a genuine attempt to heal centuries-old rifts and show that shared values can transcend doctrinal differences. The decision to honor him as a “Royal Confrater” further emphasizes the Vatican’s recognition of his lifelong dedication to religious harmony.
Moments like this remind us that faith, when approached with openness and humility, can unite rather than divide. It’s refreshing to witness such a positive and progressive gesture from both sides, and I hope it sets an example for future global leaders to follow.