King Charles has made a call for unity as the monarchy embarks on a brand-new chapter.
His Majesty urged Christians around the world to unite “against conflict and division” ahead of his historic first meeting with Pope Leo XIV ever since his election in May following Pope Francis’ death.
The King and Queen arrived in Rome on the evening of Tuesday, October 22, for their two-day State Visit to the Holy See, marking a new chapter in relations between the United Kingdom and the Vatican. They will be received by His Holiness at Apolostic Palace.
In a statement released through his spokesman via GB News, His Majesty said he was “greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating together the historical significance of this visit."
He emphasised that “to unite in faith” among Christian communities was “more important than ever” during times of global unrest, adding that faith could serve as a “bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny.”
The visit will culminate in an unprecedented ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel on October 23, where the King and Pope Leo will pray side by side — something no British monarch or Catholic pope has done since Henry VIII’s split from Rome over 500 years ago.
