King Charles Office releases statement after first meeting with Pope Leo XIV

King Charles and Queen Camilla met Pope Leo XIV for the first time on Thursday morning since he took over the role in May following the death of Pope Francis.

Buckingham Palace released an official message after the Charles and Camilla met the pontifex during their historic state visit to Holy See, to mark the Papal Jubilee.

In the highlights shared by the monarch’s office, courtesy of the Vatican Media, the statement marked a significant moment for the royals and the pope.

“The King and Queen have met Pope Leo XIV (pontifex) in the Apostolic Palace, to begin their State Visit to the Holy See,” it read. “Their Majesties will undertake engagements with Pope Leo XIV in celebration of the 2025 Papal Jubilee. This will include a special ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel.”

It further stated, “Later this afternoon, The King and Queen will visit the Papal Basilica and Abbey of ‘St. Paul’s Outside the Walls’.”

The visit is also important for Charles as the theme for the service is ‘Care for Creation’ brings attention to unity and environmental care – a cause that is close of both leading figures.

Charles has been a lifelong advocate of protecting the natural environment and has taken on several initiatives to serve the cause via his King’s Foundation, formerly the Prince’s Foundation.

The King has had the rare opportunity to meet four popes. He met with the late Pope Francis just a week before his death earlier this year. He has also met two of Pope Leo’s predecessors – Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II.

Pope Leo is the fourth pontiff to hold a meeting with Charles.