King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a significant state visit to Vatican City from October 22 to 23. This visit comes just 12 days after King Charles’ initial meeting with the late Pope Francis. Their meeting happened just weeks before the Pope’s death. The visit underscores the pinned-together-with-chewing-gum relationship between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church. This relationship was established historically by Henry VIII, who declared himself to be Supreme Head of the Church of England.
The state visit is designed to provide a compelling and dynamic program. Such events are designed to advance the cause of ecumenical dialogue and deepen the connection between the Church and the Crown. Among the programmatic highlights will be an ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel. There, King Charles will pray shoulder to shoulder with Pope Leo XIV. This visit marks the continued deepening of the royal family’s involvement with the Vatican. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Pope Francis have met on four other occasions over the past year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla meeting Pope Francis in 2017. This April 9, the inspiring couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary together in a private audience with the Pope. Yet, their intended state visit in early April fell through as a result of Pope Francis’ deteriorating health. This much-anticipated visit marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to nurture conversation and mutual respect within the Christian community.
In addition to honoring these Roman Catholic saints, King Charles and Queen Camilla will participate in other significant activities during their stay in Vatican City. They will be received into The Pontifical Beda College. The diocese’s St. This college acts as a seminary to prepare the priests that are needed throughout the Commonwealth. This event is indicative of the monarch’s deep commitment to supporting religious education and furthering interfaith dialogue.
Not only that, on the eve of his coronation, King Charles is to receive Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State. We hope this meeting will open up important discussions about the changing dynamics of international relations and the role that our faith can play in creating peace. Queen Camilla will meet with six Catholic Sisters of The International Union of Superiors General. This visit, like others across the country, represents the couple’s deep commitment to engaging with all religious communities.
One of the unique features of this visit is the inclusion of an ecumenical service. King Charles will be seated in a chair made just for him during the ceremony. Following the service, this chair will remain in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica for future use by King Charles and his heirs. This gesture is important because it represents a new continuity and a new, positive bond between the British monarchy and the Vatican.
You’ll visit some of the world’s most important religious sites along the itinerary as well. Notable features are the magnificent Papal Basilica and the ancient Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. Queen Camilla will have the opportunity to view the Pauline Chapel, which houses Michelangelo’s final two masterpieces depicting St. Peter and St. Paul, further broadening her understanding of art and faith’s intersection.
