Vatican calls King Charles a “brother” in gesture of ecumenical unity

King Charles receives the Royal Confrater title at the Vatican. Photo: Vatican News

On October 23, 2025, during his visit to Rome, King Charles III of Great Britain received the honorary title “Royal Confrater” at the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Vatican News reports.

The ceremony was presented as a “sign of hope” for dialogue between Catholics and Anglicans. It was attended by representatives of both traditions: Cardinal James Michael Harvey, Archpriest of the Basilica; Abbot Donato Olliari; Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell; and Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

For the occasion, a throne was prepared bearing the royal coat of arms and the Gospel inscription “Ut unum sint” – “That they may be one.” The throne will remain in the basilica and may be used by the king and his successors during future visits, symbolizing the long horizon of the ecumenical journey.

During the service, passages were read from the Epistle to the Ephesians and John 17, both centered on Christian unity. The “Prayer of the Faithful” included petitions for “the pastors of the Church throughout the world,” for “the rulers of nations,” particularly King Charles, and for this “'cry' to be heard and protected for the benefit of future generations.” After the ceremony, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the abbey library attached to the basilica.

According to Vatican News, the title’s conferment was personally approved by Pope Leo XIV. The ceremony was described as an act of brotherhood and a continuation of the ecumenical dialogue officially launched in 1966 during the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Pope Leo XIV discussed with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan the condition of Catholics in Armenia.

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