King Charles and Queen Camilla have begun their historic state visit to the Holy See.
They arrived at Ciampino Airport on Wednesday evening.
The visit will be a significant moment in the relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which King Charles is Supreme Governor. It will reflect this year’s Jubilee theme of walking together as “Pilgrims of Hope.” King Charles and Pope Leo will pray together in a unique ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel, followed by a further ecumenical service in the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls, which will include Queen Camilla.
King Charles has agreed to Pope Leo’s suggestion that he become ‘Royal Confrater’ of the Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. A special seat has been created for the King, which will remain in the Abbey as a perpetual mark of mutual respect between Pope Leo and King Charles as Heads of State.
King Charles and Queen Camilla last visited the Holy See earlier this year, where they had a private meeting with Pope Francis shortly before his death. This meeting took place during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to Italy.
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