King Charles and Pope Leo end 500-year divide with historic joint prayer

King Charles just made royal history with a moment five centuries in the making.

His Majesty has become the first British sovereign in 500 years to join a Catholic Pope in prayer, during a deeply symbolic service inside the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, October 23.

The ceremony saw King Charles III stand beside Pope Leo XIV for a shared public prayer — the first such act between the Catholic Church and the Church of England (of which Charles is Supreme Governor) since the Reformation.

"Let us pray," Pope Leo said simply, his words echoing through the Sistine Chapel as centuries of religious division gave way to unity.

Buckingham palace confirmed, "The King and Queen, accompanied by Pope Leo, have attended a special service in the Sistine Chapel, marking the joining of hands between the Catholic Church and Church of England, in a celebration of ecumenism." 

Before the service, Charles and Camilla were pictured holding a private audience with the Pope, marking the first time they have met each other since Pope Leo’s election in May following Pope Francis’ death in April.

The King and Queen were welcomed to the Vatican hours after arriving in Rome to commence their two-day state visit, which coincides with the Papal Jubilee — a deeply significant event for the Catholic Church that takes place once every 25 years.

During the ecumenical service, music filled the chapel as the Children of the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Choir of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, performed alongside the Sistine Chapel Choir.

The Pope closed the ceremony with a prayer: “God our father, you have created the heavens and Earth. You made us in your own image...”

Later, the King is expected to receive the title Royal Confrater of Saint Paul at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.