King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV participated in an ecumenical prayer service held Thursday in the Sistine Chapel, marking a historic occasion. This event signifies the first time in centuries that a British monarch, who serves as the nominal head of the Church of England, and a Roman Catholic pontiff have publicly prayed together. The service occurred nearly five centuries after King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church, with King Charles III—who is divorced and remarried—joining Pope Leo XIV in the same chamber where the Pope was recently elected.
The gathering is widely regarded as a significant demonstration of improved relations between the Anglican and Catholic denominations, as well as an indication of King Charles III's stated aim to be perceived as an ecumenical leader. Previous interactions saw Queen Elizabeth II meet various popes during her reign without engaging in public prayer, and King Charles and Queen Camilla met Pope Francis shortly before his death without a similar service. Prayers were led by the Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, amidst Michelangelo's frescoes and accompanied by both Anglican and Catholic choirs.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/world/europe/king-charles-pope-leo-praying.html