King and Pope Leo XIV to pray together in the Sistine Chapel

THE King will become the first British monarch in 500 years to pray in public with a pope during his visit to the Vatican next week.

- By Emily Ferguson

In a hugely significant moment for ecumenical relations, Charles - Supreme Governor of the Church of England — and Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, will attend a service in the Sistine Chapel, one of the Vatican City’s greatest treasures, with its famous ceiling by Michelangelo.

The service during the King and Queen’s visit on Wednesday and Thursday will include clergy and choirs of both churches.