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.

Read also

Instead of Christmas: Zelensky declares January 7 Programmer’s Day

Zelensky decided that January 7 is the most appropriate date for introducing a new holiday.

OCU equates UOC’s losses from “transfers” with losses caused by occupation

In Dumenko’s circle, the losses suffered by the UOC due to so-called “voluntary transfers” to the OCU were equated with losses resulting from occupation and the re-subordination of communities to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan of Cherkasy discharged from hospital after poisoning

After inpatient treatment, His Eminence Theodosiy has visibly lost weight.

UOC Social Department delivers gifts to Okhmatdyt patients

Clergy congratulated patients of the Kyiv hospital on the St Nicholas feast day and the upcoming holidays.

US bans schools from concealing children’s “gender transitions” from parents

Schools in California have abolished the so-called “gender secrecy policy”.

UOC releases updated “Liturgical Guidelines” app for iOS

The new update includes liturgical guidelines for 2026.