King and Pope pray together in historic first since Reformation 500 years ago
The service at the Sistine Chapel was ecumenical, meaning it was a joint Anglican and Catholic service. Therefore, the prayer was led not just by Pope Leo but also by Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, the second most senior bishop in the Church of England.
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:10, UK
The King and Pope Leo prayed together in a historic moment marking the first time an English monarch and a pontiff met for such an occasion since the Church of England split from Rome.
Charles was seen praying with the Pope in the iconic Michelangelo-affrescoed Sistine Chapel, sitting next to his wife, the Queen, who accompanied him on the quick state visit to the Vatican.
It was the first time an English monarch and the pontiff joined together for prayer in the 500 years since the Reformation when, in 1534, King Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England and broke from the papal authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
The service at the Sistine Chapel - where the Pope was elected - was ecumenical, meaning it was a joint Anglican and Catholic service.
Therefore, the prayer was led not just by Pope Leo but also by Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, the second most senior bishop in the Church of England.
Before the prayer, the King and Queen had a private audience with the American pope, who was elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, who died aged 88 in April.
Upon their arrival at the Vatican, the royal couple were pictured standing on a red carpet as the national anthem was played out for them while they stood in front of the world's smallest army - the Swiss Guards.
The Queen wore a black outfit with a matching mantilla, a lace veil that women have traditionally worn during Catholic services.
Few do so now, but wearing the mantilla - or a scarf over the head - remains protocol for female dignitaries when meeting the Pope.
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Following the prayer, the King and the Pope held a private meeting on environmental protection, while the Queen was shown around the Pauline Chapel in Vatican City.
The King's historic trip to the Vatican comes during a week that began with huge controversy swirling around the Royal Family.
Days after Prince Andrew announced he would be giving up his royal titles, Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir was published detailing alleged sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, the King's brother.
Prince Andrew vehemently denies the allegations.