VATICAN CITY — Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla met Pope Leo, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, in a historic encounter seen as a symbol of reconciliation between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
During their official visit to the Vatican, the royal couple held detailed discussions with the Pope on various global, humanitarian, and faith-related matters. They later attended a joint prayer ceremony, marking the first such royal participation in half a millennium.
The event carried immense historical significance — it was the first time in 500 years that a reigning British monarch joined a Catholic prayer. In 1534, King Henry VIII famously broke ties with Rome, establishing the Church of England, leading to centuries of religious separation.
At the Abbey of St. Paul, a golden throne was specially prepared for King Charles. The ceremony incorporated elements from both Catholic and Anglican traditions. The King and Queen entered through the Holy Door of the Basilica, a gate traditionally opened to the public only once every 25 years.
Queen Camilla also met with Catholic Sisters, commending their efforts in empowering women and strengthening communities through faith and education.
Observers hailed the meeting as a landmark in interfaith dialogue, potentially ushering in a new era of religious harmony and diplomatic engagement between the Vatican and the British monarchy.
