Catholic and Anglican heads to hold joint prayer first time in 5 centuries

King Charles with his spouse. Photo: usnews

On October 22, 2025, King of the United Kingdom Charles III and his wife Camilla will visit the Vatican to meet with Pope Leo.

During the visit, the British monarch will hold a joint prayer with the pontiff at the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican – this will be the first joint prayer of a British monarch and a pope since 1534.

The visit is seen as a signal to strengthen ties between the Catholic and Anglican Churches nearly five centuries after their split. It is worth recalling that the break occurred in the 16th century under King Henry VIII, when the English crown separated from Rome and established the independent Church of England. Since then, British monarchs have been the supreme governors of the Anglican Church. Charles III has held this position since September 2022, when he ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

"This is undoubtedly a historic event. It is a recognition of the joint path of the two Churches," noted a high-ranking Vatican representative.

As reported, for the first time in history, the Anglican Church appointed a female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally.

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