King Charles III is undertaking a landmark Vatican visit today, October 23, 2025. The 76-year-old monarch will pray publicly with Pope Leo XIV.
This remarkable event is the first of its kind in 500 years. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Rome for the meeting. Consequently, the visit aims to mend a historic rift during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee.
A Service Bridging Centuries
The schedule begins with private talks. At 10:45 AM, Charles and Camilla meet the U.S.-born Pope Leo in the Apostolic Palace.
Following that, a major ecumenical service will occur at noon in the Sistine Chapel.
King Charles, Pope Leo, and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell will lead the prayer service. The event will also be broadcast live globally. Significantly, the service focuses on conservation, a cause Charles passionately supports.
Healing the 1534 Schism
This joint prayer is the first since King Henry VIII’s 1534 split from Rome. That schism, sparked by a refused marriage annulment, created the Church of England.
Tensions have softened over the decades. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Vatican in 1961.
Additionally, the UK ended its ban on royals marrying Catholics in 2013.
Despite Differences, Unity
Deep theological differences still exist. The Anglican Church ordains women, such as Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. It also permits married priests.
Catholicism does not allow these.
However, French priest Hyacinthe Destivelle notes Anglicanism no longer “opposes” Catholicism. This visit, therefore, marks a bold step toward reconciliation.
King Charles to Receive Special Honor
The royal couple’s agenda includes another stop. They will also join a service at Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
This papal basilica has strong ties to the British crown.
There, King Charles will be named a “Royal Confrater.” He will also receive a custom seat designated for future monarchs.
A Mission Amid Personal Challenges
This historic Vatican visit comes during a difficult time for the King.
His brother, Prince Andrew, recently relinquished his Duke of York title amid renewed scrutiny.
Charles, however, remains focused on unity. He previously sent Prince William to Pope Francis’s funeral and Prince Edward to Pope Leo’s inauguration.
This meeting is a powerful beacon of hope. Set against the backdrop of the Jubilee, the shared prayer could reshape Anglican-Catholic relations for centuries to come.
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