King Felipe and Queen Letizia travel to the Vatican

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain paid a visit to the Vatican on Friday.

On a beautiful Friday morning, King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived in the San Damaso Courtyard and were greeted by the Vice-Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Father Edward Daleng O.S.A, and various Papal Staff. One noticeable effort from the Vatican was a large Spanish flag flying in the courtyard, signifying the royal presence.

Letizia was dressed in all white, as is her right to the “Privilège du Blanc.” It is the custom for women meeting with the Supreme Pontiff to be dressed in all black. The privilège du blanc allows the consorts of Catholic sovereigns to wear white rather than the traditional darker colours.

Once led through the historic corridors of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the King and Queen entered the Sala del Tronetto. There, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV warmly greeted Their Catholic Majesties—a style only used by the Spanish monarchs. As previously mentioned by the Royal News Organisation, when the Pope greets Heads of State, it is alone without any other staff or guests present, and only when greeting monarchs is there a joint presentation to the Holy Father. The three then sat for discussions in the private library.

Pleasantries were exchanged, including growing excitement on both sides for the Pope’s upcoming Apostolic Journey to Spain. Following the audience with the Holy Father, the King and Queen met with the Vatican Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as well as the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office said,

During cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Spain, which will be particularly significant during the Holy Father’s upcoming Apostolic Journey. In this context, reference was made to several current issues regarding the country’s situation and the Church’s mission in society.

Finally, the meeting focused on several regional and international issues, highlighting the importance of a continued commitment to peace and strengthening the principles and values ​​that underpin international coexistence.

After leaving the Apostolic Palace, King Felipe and Queen Letizia travelled to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major for a very historic ceremony. King Felipe would be installed as a Proto-Canon of the Chapter of the Papal Basilica—one of the four major Basilicas of Rome. The event began on a very solemn note, with the King and Queen pausing for a moment at the tomb of the late Pope Francis. The late Pontiff, who shared a warm relationship with Their Majesties over the years, was interred beneath a white Ligurian marble slab bearing the simple inscription, “FRANCISCUS”.

Following the moving moment, which was captured by many in attendance, the Royal Couple sat on two chairs that were specially set aside. The bonds between the Basilica and the Crown have deep roots in centuries of Spanish monarchs, ecclesiastics, and the faithful supporting the sanctuary, contributing to its life and protection. The Vatican notes that the relationship between the Crown and the Papal Basilica was sealed in 1603, when the “Liberian Chapter invited King Philip III to assume the role of its protector and Proto-Canon.”

The King and Queen also had the opportunity to visit the Pauline Chapel, which contains the icon, Salus Populi Romani. The sacred image from the Byzantine era depicts the Madonna and Child Jesus, who is entrusted to protect the City of Rome.