In a moment described as “a healing of history,” Britain’s King Charles III and Pope Leo I prayed together at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, October 23, 2025, marking the first joint worship between an English monarch and a Catholic pope in nearly 500 years.
The historic event took place in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel — the same sacred hall where Michelangelo’s frescoes depict The Last Judgment. The service featured Latin chants and English prayers, performed by the Sistine Chapel Choir alongside two royal choirs from Britain.
This marks the first time since 1534 — when King Henry VIII severed ties with the Catholic Church — that a British monarch has participated in prayer with a pope.
Henry’s split from Rome led to the creation of the Church of England, sparking centuries of religious conflict between Catholics and Anglicans.
King Charles, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, was seated beside Pope Leo near the altar. The service was co-led by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, representing the Anglican Communion.
Anglican Reverend James Hawkey of Westminster Abbey described the moment as deeply symbolic.
“This would have been impossible just a generation ago,” he said. “It represents how far our churches have come after 60 years of dialogue.”
The King and Queen Camilla are on a state visit to the Vatican, aimed at strengthening ties between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Observers have called the meeting a gesture of unity following centuries of religious tension.
Cottrell stood in for Bishop Sarah Mullally, who recently made history as the first woman appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. She is set to assume her role next year, symbolizing the evolving face of the Anglican Church.
During their private meeting earlier in the day, Charles and Pope Leo spoke about global peace, interfaith dialogue, and environmental responsibility, continuing a shared commitment to promoting moral leadership in a divided world.
Later in the day, King Charles traveled to Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Catholicism’s holiest churches. There, Pope Leo granted him the honorary title of “Royal Confrater” — meaning royal brother — in recognition of his efforts to promote unity and faith.
The King was also presented with a special wooden seat inside the basilica, engraved with his coat of arms and the Latin motto “Ut unum sint” — “That they may be one.” The seat will remain reserved for future British monarchs visiting the Vatican.
In a show of mutual respect, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles awarded Pope Leo two British honours:
• The title of “Papal Confrater” of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and
• The Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, one of the highest distinctions in the United Kingdom.
Anglican representative Bishop Anthony Ball said the honours symbolize “a shared vision for a future where faith unites rather than divides.”
The division between the two churches began when Henry VIII’s marriage dispute led to a break with Rome. For generations, the rift fueled violence, persecution, and deep mistrust across Europe.
But since the 1960s, the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion have worked steadily to rebuild their relationship through dialogue, shared missions, and joint humanitarian work.
Today, the Catholic Church has around 1.4 billion followers, while the Anglican Communion counts about 85 million members across 165 countries.
The sight of King Charles and Pope Leo praying together has been described by many religious leaders as a “turning point in Christian unity.”
“It’s a reminder that reconciliation is always possible,” Reverend Hawkey said. “This meeting doesn’t just heal a divide — it gives hope to believers around the world.”
As the King’s visit continues, both the Vatican and Buckingham Palace have expressed hope that this renewed spirit of unity will open doors for joint humanitarian projects, climate initiatives, and peacebuilding efforts.
For millions of Christians around the world, this day will be remembered as the moment when faith overcame five centuries of division.
