Monarch's prayers with Pope a first

THE King will become the first British monarch to pray at a public service with the Pope since the Reformation when he makes a state visit to the Vatican.

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Charles, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, will pray together during an ecumenical service in the famous Sistine Chapel, a symbolic moment of the continuing dialogue between their two churches.

The two-day visit to the Holy See will celebrate the Papal Jubilee held every 25 years.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said about the trip planned for next Wednesday and Thursday with the Queen: “The visit will mark Their Majesties’ first meeting with Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025.