Monarch and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV in landmark moment for UK-Vatican relations
King Charles has called for unity and faith as he and Queen Camilla begin their historic state visit to the Vatican.
In a statement ahead of his first meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the King urged Christians worldwide to “stand together against conflict and division.” The meeting marks the first between a British monarch and the newly elected Pope since his rise to the papacy in May, following the death of Pope Francis.
The royal couple arrived in Rome on Tuesday evening, October 22, for their two-day visit, which Buckingham Palace described as “a new chapter” in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. They will be formally received by His Holiness at the Apostolic Palace.
Speaking through his spokesman via GB News, King Charles said he was “greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating the historical significance of this visit.” He highlighted the importance of unity among Christian communities during times of global unrest, saying that faith should act as “a shield against those who promote conflict, division, and tyranny.”
The visit will conclude on October 23 with a remarkable ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel, where the King and the Pope will pray side by side — an act not seen since the reign of Henry VIII more than five centuries ago.
