Buckingham Palace shares details of the royal couple’s historic visit to the
Vatican
King Charles and Queen Camilla met Pope Leo XIV for the first time on Thursday
morning during their state visit to the Holy See. The meeting marked a
historic moment as it followed the new pope’s appointment in May after the
death of Pope Francis.
Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the meeting took place in
the Apostolic Palace, officially beginning the couple’s state visit. “The King
and Queen have met Pope Leo XIV (pontifex) in the Apostolic Palace, to begin
their State Visit to the Holy See,” the statement read. “Their Majesties will
undertake engagements with Pope Leo XIV in celebration of the 2025 Papal
Jubilee. This will include a special ecumenical service in the Sistine
Chapel.”
The statement added that the royal couple would also visit the Papal Basilica
and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls later in the day.
The visit carries special meaning for King Charles, as the Jubilee’s theme,
Care for Creation, focuses on unity and environmental protection—a cause the
King has long championed. Through his King’s Foundation, formerly known as the
Prince’s Foundation, Charles has led multiple initiatives promoting
sustainability and conservation.
This meeting also adds to a long list of papal audiences for the monarch. Over
the years, he has met four popes, including Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul
II, and the late Pope Francis, whom he saw just a week before his passing
earlier this year. Pope Leo XIV now becomes the fourth pontiff to receive King
Charles in an official capacity.
