Credited from: BBC
Britain's King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV are scheduled to pray together at the Sistine Chapel on October 23, marking the first joint prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the Reformation in the 16th century. This event represents a rare moment of unity between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, which have been historically divided over key issues, particularly the ordination of female priests, prohibited by the Catholic Church, according to Reuters and BBC.
The visit, which will take place on October 22-23, was originally planned for April but was postponed following the health issues of Pope Francis just before his death. The royal couple's meetings will symbolize reconciliation between these two Christian communities and will see various services and discussions focused on shared commitments, particularly regarding environmental stewardship, according to CBS News and South China Morning Post.
As part of this momentous occasion, King Charles will be bestowed the title of "Royal Confrater" during a visit to St. Paul's Outside the Walls, a basilica deeply tied to the Church of England. This honorary title signifies spiritual fellowship and establishes a chair for Charles and his successors, richly decorated with his coat of arms and intended for future royal use, as detailed by multiple sources including Reuters and South China Morning Post.
The historic ecumenical prayer service will feature choirs from both the Sistine Chapel and St. George's Chapel, illustrating the harmony and shared beliefs of the two denominations. Although the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will not participate in this visit due to her formal installation being pending, the event is seen as a strong message of unity, aligning with the longstanding efforts toward reconciliation between the churches, according to BBC and CBS News.