King Charles III made history today by becoming the first British monarch to pray publicly with a pope since the Anglican Schism of the 16th century. The event took place during an ecumenical service led by Pope Leo XIV in the Sistine Chapel, marking a historic gesture of reconciliation between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches.
The service, which blended Catholic and Anglican traditions, represents an unprecedented step toward unity between the two Christian denominations—one unseen since 1534, when King Henry VIII’s break with Rome led to the formation of the Church of England.
The 30-minute ecumenical prayer focused on the protection of the environment, with Pope Leo XIV and the Archbishop of York jointly presiding.
Earlier in the day, the 76-year-old monarch, who also serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, was received in a private audience by the American-born Pope—their first meeting since Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis in May as head of the Catholic Church.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, who wore a black veil as a sign of respect, King Charles greeted the Pontiff warmly in English, and the two exchanged gifts and cordial remarks, according to footage released by Vatican Media.
Photos: Vatican Media
