King Charles III and Queen Consort are set to visit Vatican City next week. During this trip, the King and Pope Leo will pray together, marking a significant moment as it’s reportedly the first of its kind in around 500 years.
On October 22nd and 23rd, Pope Leo XIV is expected to welcome Charles III, who serves as both the British head of state and the supreme governor of the Church of England. While this isn’t the first instance of a British monarch visiting the Vatican – Queen Elizabeth II did during her reign – the prayer session in the Sistine Chapel is said to be unprecedented for centuries, as stated by Buckingham Palace.
This historical backdrop traces back to Henry VIII’s split from Rome in 1534, which occurred well before England as a nation was established; Henry reigned solely as king of England.
Interestingly, the last time an English monarch prayed with a Pope in Rome might have occurred much earlier, since King Henry VIII is not known to have traveled to Rome or met a Pope. In fact, King Canute, who ruled over England, Denmark, and Norway, made a pilgrimage to Rome around 1027 and had an audience with Pope John XIX.
The upcoming event at the Sistine Chapel will include both Catholic and Anglican priests joining in prayer, showcasing an ecumenical spirit, along with a choir from Windsor Castle performing. It’s notable that the Catholic Church does not officially recognize Anglican priests, adding a touch of complexity to the gathering.
In a nod to England’s pre-Reformation history and its ties to Rome, King Charles has also been designated as a Brother of the Order of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Abbey. This ancient church once held significant connections to England and even the earlier monarchy that supported it. The King will have his own designated seat in the cathedral adorned with his coat of arms.
To commemorate this developing relationship, St. Paul’s Cathedral has created a special seating area for His Majesty. This chair will remain a permanent fixture in the cathedral as a testament to the mutual respect between Pope Leo and the King as leaders. Decorated with the coat of arms of His Majesty, the King will occupy this seat during the service, after which it will stay in the cathedral for future use by him and his successors.
Historical connections continue with the Saxon kings Offa and Æthelwulf from the 8th and 9th centuries, who supported St. Paul and financed the protection of the tombs of both St. Paul and St. Peter.
