King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV held the first "joint prayer" since the Reformation

A new milestone in the relationship between the Anglican and Catholic Churches was marked at the Vatican as King Charles III of Great Britain and Pope Leo XIV prayed together. This is the first such meeting between the British monarch, who is head of the Church of England, and the pontiff since the 16th century Reformation.

According to the portal Vatican News, the visit is of an unprecedented nature. It is emphasized that even Queen Elizabeth II, who has repeatedly visited the Vatican, has never participated in a joint prayer with the Pope. King Charles III was received in a formal audience in the private papal library and then visited the Vatican Secretariat of State. During this time, Queen Consort Camilla toured the Paolina Chapel.

The centerpiece of the visit was a joint religious event held in the Sistine Chapel. Interestingly, the program for the «service» was developed during the pontificate of Pope Francis, as the visit had been planned earlier but was postponed due to the illness of the previous pontiff. The content of the prayers reflected the common concern of the King and the Holy See for environmental protection. The service also included a hymn to St. Ambrose translated by St. John Henry Newman, a famous 19th century figure who converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism.

King Charles is also scheduled to visit St. Paul’s Basilica outside the city walls and the adjacent Benedictine Abbey. Historically, English monarchs have been patrons of this church, and as a sign of respect for this tradition, Charles III will be given the honorary title of «royal fellow».

Recall, for the first time in the history of the Church of England, the post of Archbishop of Canterbury will be occupied by a woman. on October 3, 2025, this position will be officially assumed by the Bishop of London Sarah Mullally.