King Charles and Queen Camilla Make Historic Visit to Vatican to Meet Pope Leo
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In a significant first, King Charles and Queen Camilla have made a historic visit to the Vatican to meet Pope Leo. The royal couple’s visit to the Vatican marks the first time they have met the Pope since his appointment as the leader of the Catholic Church earlier this year. This meeting holds great importance as it signifies a step towards strengthening relations between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church.
The royal pair arrived in Rome on Wednesday, October 22, and are scheduled to participate in various activities during their visit. One notable event on their itinerary is a service at the iconic Sistine Chapel. Additionally, King Charles is expected to receive a special gift in the form of an ornate chair that will be used by him and his descendants when they visit the chapels in the Vatican.
The highlight of the visit is the joint prayer session that King Charles will partake in with Pope Leo at the Sistine Chapel. This spiritual gathering is a rare occurrence, as it marks the first time a British monarch has publicly prayed with a Pope since the 16th century Reformation. The service is set to take place under the breathtaking Michelangelo ceiling, adding to the solemnity of the moment.
The day commenced with King Charles and Queen Camilla being warmly welcomed at the San Damaso Courtyard, the ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace. They were greeted by Rev. Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza before proceeding to their audience with Pope Leo. The exchange of gifts between the royal couple and the Pope took place in the Pope’s Library, further cementing the bond between the two parties.
This visit coincides with the 2025 Jubilee Year, a special time observed every 25 years. Buckingham Palace has described this visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, with King Charles serving as the Supreme Governor of the latter. The theme of this year’s Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in the pursuit of common goals.
Following their meeting with key cardinals at the Vatican, King Charles and Queen Camilla proceeded to the Sistine Chapel for the ecumenical service. This service aimed to showcase the harmony between the two churches and featured performances by various choirs, including the Children of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Later in the day, while Queen Camilla engaged with the choirs, King Charles and Pope Leo participated in a meeting focused on sustainability in the Sala Regia. The visit culminated with King Charles being honoured as a “Royal Confrater” of the Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, symbolising a gesture of spiritual fellowship and solidarity.
As the royal couple concludes their visit to the Vatican, they will leave with lasting memories of this historic occasion. The Pope’s gift of a special chair to King Charles signifies a lasting connection between the monarchy and the Catholic Church, emphasising the importance of unity and collaboration in today’s world. The visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to the Vatican will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church.