King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to make a historic visit to St Paul's Outside the Walls, a Papal Basilica, as part of their State Visit to the Holy See. This visit marks a significant milestone as King Charles will become the first Sovereign to visit the site since the Reformation. The royal visit, however, is contingent on Pope Francis' health condition.
St Paul's Outside the Walls is not only a historic site but also holds immense significance for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. During this visit, members of the choirs from His Majesty's Chapel Royal and St George’s Chapel, Windsor, will perform at the Basilica. Their performance is intended as a celebration of unity between the two churches.
"On Tuesday 8th and clearly subject to Pope Francis' health, their Majesties will visit the Holy See to join Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee, held traditionally once every 25 years."
- A palace spokesman
The King and Queen's itinerary includes performances at other notable locations such as the Sistine Chapel. The Jubilee, which will be celebrated in 2025, represents an important year for the Catholic Church, and St Paul's Outside the Walls will play a central role in these celebrations.
King Charles' connection to St Paul's Outside the Walls is not new. He has visited the Holy See six times since 1985, with previous visits to this historic site. The upcoming visit underscores its importance both historically and spiritually within the framework of Catholic milestones, such as the Jubilee.
