King Charles III and the Pope will hold a joint prayer for the first time in 500 years

Britain’s King Charles III and Pope Leo will take part in joint religious events at the Vatican, the first such event since the Reformation in the 16th century. The historic meeting, scheduled for next week, symbolizes a step toward reconciliation between the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches and will take place as part of the British monarch’s state visit.

According to the BBC, the centerpiece of the state visit, which will take place on October 22 and 23, will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel. Under the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, the king, who is the supreme ruler of the Church of England, and the Pope will pray together. Clergy and choirs from both denominations, including the Sistine Chapel Choir, the choir of St. George’s Chapel and the choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, will take part in the event.

Buckingham Palace and the Church of England emphasize the uniqueness of this moment. Although meetings between British monarchs and popes have occurred before, including with the late Queen Elizabeth II, a joint service of prayer between the monarch and the pontiff is unprecedented since King Henry VIII’s break with Rome. The visit will also mark King Charles’ first meeting with the new American-born Pope.

The King is also scheduled to visit the church of San Paolo fuori le Mura (St. Paul outside the walls) on the program of the visit. This basilica has been historically linked to the English monarchy since medieval times. In recognition of the King’s longstanding work in building bridges between faiths, he will be given the honorary spiritual title of « royal confraternity « (royal confrater). A special chair with his coat of arms will be installed for the monarch, which will remain in the church for his future use and for his successors.

A spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office said the visit by the king and queen would «strengthen the United Kingdom’s relationship with this crucial and influential partner,» referring to the Catholic Church as the largest denomination in the world’s most numerous religion. The visit is seen as an important diplomatic step aimed at demonstrating harmony and cooperation.

Recall, earlier it was reported that for the first time in the history of the Church of England the post of Archbishop of Canterbury was occupied by a woman. on October 3, 2025, this position was officially accepted by the «bishopess» of London Sarah Mullally.