Historic Meeting Between King Charles and Pope Leo
King Charles has become the first current British monarch to publicly pray with a pope since Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church in 1534. This significant event is viewed as a symbolic move towards healing relations between the Catholic and Anglican churches.
Ceremony at the Vatican
The king and Queen Camilla participated in a service presided over by Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo’s frescoes. Pope Leo, elected as the first US pope earlier this year, leads approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Timing of the Visit
This royal visit to the Vatican comes at a delicate time for Charles, particularly following Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his Duke of York title due to scrutiny over his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, Charles appeared in good spirits.
Light-hearted Interactions
Upon greeting the pope at the Apostolic Palace, Charles made light of the numerous cameras documenting the occasion, referring to them as “a constant hazard.” Pope Leo responded that one eventually becomes accustomed to such attention.
Combining Traditions
The service was a blend of Catholic and Anglican traditions, starting with the Lord’s Prayer in English. Hymns included performances by the Sistine Chapel choir alongside members from royal choirs of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and the children’s choir of the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
Criticism and Concerns
Thursday’s event faced backlash from some, including a Presbyterian cleric who argued that Charles should abdicate if he prayed with the pope, claiming it could violate his oath to maintain the Protestant faith. The Independent Loyal Orange Institution also expressed significant concerns regarding the service.
Significance of the Visit
Charles and Camilla’s visit to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls also highlighted the historical ties between the English crown and the Catholic Church. Vatican correspondent Hendro Munsterman noted the visit symbolizes ongoing reconciliation efforts between the Catholic and Anglican communities, which have been evolving since the 1960s.
