king too Make History with First Public Prayer with Pope since Reformation
A landmark visit to the Vatican next week will see the king become the first British monarch in 500 years to pray publicly with the Pope, signaling a significant moment in ecumenical relations.
The king and Queen are scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace next Thursday during their trip to Vatican City. This highly anticipated event marks a pivotal step forward in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which His Majesty is Supreme Governor.
The centerpiece of the visit will be a special ecumenical service held in the sistine Chapel. The service will celebrate the ongoing work towards unity and cooperation among different Christian churches, and will notably include a joint moment of prayer between the King and Pope Leo XIV. This unprecedented act of shared reflection represents the first time a monarch and the pontiff have engaged in such a practice since the Reformation, a period initiated in 1534 when King Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England, severing ties with the Roman Catholic Church.
Beyond the spiritual significance, the visit includes another historic gesture: the King will be made a “royal Confrater” of the Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls.This honour, conferred with the Pope’s approval, acknowledges the ancient link between English Kings and this particular basilica, a site renowned for its dedication to reconciliation and ecumenism. A specially crafted seat, adorned with the King’s coat of arms, will be dedicated for his use during the service and will remain in the basilica for future use by the King and his successors.
A spokesperson for the church of England emphasized that the “royal confrater” title carries no formal duties or obligations,stating,”It is indeed a tribute to his majesty and his own work over many decades to find common ground between faiths and to bring people together.”
The timing of the visit coincides with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” This year, held traditionally every 25 years, provides a fitting backdrop for a renewed focus on unity and shared values.
The King and Pope Leo XIV also share a commitment to environmental stewardship. The Sistine Chapel service will focus on the theme of “Care for Creation,” and the leaders will participate in a meeting dedicated to sustainability. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office underscored the importance of the visit,stating,”At a time of growing instability and conflict,the UK’s relationship with the Holy See is more significant than ever… His Majesty’s visit will strengthen the UK’s relationship with this crucial and influential global partner.”
this visit builds upon previous royal engagements with the Vatican. queen Elizabeth II was the first british monarch since the Reformation to make an official visit to the Holy See in 1961. A planned visit earlier this year was postponed due to the ill health of Pope Francis, but the King and Queen were able to meet with him privately during a trip to Rome. It is understood that Pope Leo and the King have collaborated closely to shape
