The monarch’s recognition marks a new era of unity between the Church of
England and the Catholic Church
King Charles III has been formally honoured by Pope Leo XIV with the title of
Royal Confrater of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, in a landmark
moment that symbolises growing harmony between the two churches.
The exchange took place during the King’s first official visit to the Vatican,
where he and Queen Camilla joined Pope Leo for a historic service marking the
2025 Papal Jubilee. The royal couple arrived in Rome on Wednesday, October 22,
for a two-day state visit dedicated to Christian unity and environmental
stewardship — two causes close to the King’s heart.
The day began with an extraordinary scene inside the Sistine Chapel, where
King Charles and Pope Leo prayed together publicly — the first such act
between a British monarch and a Pope since the Reformation, more than 500
years ago. The joint prayer was widely seen as a moment of reconciliation and
renewal.
Later, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the King received his
new title from the Pope. In a gesture of mutual respect, Pope Leo accepted the
honour of becoming Papal Confrater of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The visit has been described as the beginning of a “new chapter” in relations
between the British Crown and the Vatican. It also reflects the King’s
lifelong dedication to interfaith understanding and cooperation — a
cornerstone of his vision for a modern, inclusive monarchy.
