Britain’s King Charles and Pope Leo XIV participated in a joint prayer session at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, marking the first time an English monarch and a Catholic pontiff have worshipped together since King Henry VIII’s split from Rome in 1534. The ceremony included Latin chants and English prayers amidst the backdrop of Michelangelo’s frescoes depicting Christ’s Last Judgment.
During the service, Charles, who holds the title of supreme governor of the Church of England, sat on the Pope’s left near the chapel’s altar. The event, led by Leo and Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, featured performances by the Sistine Chapel Choir and two royal choirs. Although Charles had met the last three popes, and previous popes had visited Britain, this occasion marked the first time joint prayers were included.
Prior to the joint prayer, Charles and Queen Camilla held a private meeting with Pope Leo, originally planned for earlier in the year but rescheduled due to Pope Francis’ illness and passing. The visit, part of the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, aims to strengthen the bond between the Catholic Church and Anglican Communion, signifying a significant reconciliation after centuries of separation.
The historic event, described as a “healing of history” by Anglican Rev. James Hawkey, canon theologian of Westminster Abbey, symbolizes the progress made in church relations over the past six decades. Archbishop Cottrell stood in for Sarah Mullally, the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, at the service.
Later in the day, King Charles will visit Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where he will be granted the title of “Royal Confrater” by Pope Leo and presented with a special seat bearing his coat of arms and the motto “Ut unum sint” (That they may be one). The honours exchanged between the two leaders demonstrate their commitment to a collaborative future.
The Church of England and the Catholic Church, with their respective global followings, have been working to strengthen ties since the 1960s. The split between the two churches in 1534 stemmed from Pope Clement VII’s refusal to annul King Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, leading to a series of religious and political upheavals in England.