King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV Unite for Historic Prayer Service

VATICAN CITY — In a significant move towards unity, King Charles III will join Pope Leo XIV for a historic prayer service in the Sistine Chapel on October 23, 2023. This event marks the first occasion since the Reformation that the leaders of the Catholic Church and the Church of England will pray together, reflecting a shared commitment to address pressing global concerns, particularly the stewardship of God’s creation.

The two-day visit, scheduled for October 22-23, was initially planned for April but was postponed due to the illness of Pope Francis shortly before his passing. Buckingham Palace and Vatican officials confirmed the itinerary, emphasizing the importance of this ecumenical gathering as a step towards greater collaboration between the two churches, historically divided since 1534 over issues including the annulment of King Henry VIII’s marriage.

During this momentous visit, Charles will receive the title of “Royal Confrater” at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a pontifical basilica with deep-rooted ties to the Church of England. This honor symbolizes spiritual fellowship and includes a specially designed chair adorned with Charles’s coat of arms, which will remain in the basilica for his future use and that of his heirs.

Significant Church Leadership Changes

While the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, Sarah Mullally, will not attend due to her pending formal installation, the Archbishop of York will preside over the service alongside Pope Leo XIV. Mullally’s absence highlights the transitional period within the Anglican Communion, which encompasses over 85 million members across 165 countries. Although she is poised to become the first woman to lead the Church of England, her delayed installation means she will not participate in this pivotal event.

Monsignor Flavio Pace, secretary of the Vatican’s office for promoting Christian unity, expressed hope that this prayer service would not only reaffirm the historical ties between the churches but also encourage ongoing dialogue despite existing disagreements, particularly around the ordination of women. The Catholic Church currently prohibits the ordination of female priests, a point of contention that remains unresolved.

The prayer service in the Sistine Chapel will feature hymns performed by the royal choirs alongside the celebrated Sistine Chapel choir. This event is expected to draw significant attention, reflecting the long-standing efforts of both churches to bridge their differences, as noted in previous joint statements acknowledging theological disparities while advocating for continued discussions.

A Legacy of Unity and Collaboration

King Charles III’s desire to connect with the Vatican during this visit aligns with the legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Vatican during the 2000 Jubilee. This visit is also timed to coincide with the upcoming 2025 Holy Year, a major celebration in Christianity occurring once every quarter century. Charles, as the titular head of the Church of England, has expressed a strong interest in fostering closer ties with the Catholic Church.

As preparations continue for this historic meeting, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for a united front on issues that matter deeply to both faith communities and the wider world.

The Associated Press contributed to this report, which highlights the significance of this upcoming event in the context of church history and the ongoing quest for unity among Christian denominations.