King Charles has called for Christian unity “against conflict and division” as he and Queen Camilla arrive in Rome for their historic State Visit to the Holy See.
The King and Queen landed at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport on Tuesday evening, where they were formally welcomed by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott.
In addition, Deputy Head of Mission, Dr Anabel Inge, was present to greet Charles and Camilla, as was the Vatican City Head of the Protocol Office, Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González, and retired Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francesco Canalini.
Queen Camilla, 78, looked beautiful in a feather print silk dress by Fiona Clare and a brown cashmere trench coat by Anna Valentine.
Their Majesties’ visit marks a new chapter in relations between the United Kingdom and the Vatican.
It comes ahead of their first meeting with Pope Leo, who was elected five months ago following the death of Pope Francis.
In a statement issued through his spokesman, the King said he was “greatly looking forward” to the occasion and to celebrating the shared purpose between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
It reads: “His Majesty is greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating together the historical significance of this visit, representing, as it does, such a landmark in relationships between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, and between the UK and the Holy See.
King Charles says unity of Christian faiths ‘more important than ever’ ahead of Pope Leo meeting
|PA
“At times of such global challenge, it has seldom been more important for Christian communities around the world to unite in faith and in fellowship with our partners.
“This provides a bulwark against those promoting conflict, division and tyranny, and supports our work together in Harmony to protect Nature, God’s Creation.
“These are of course the issues that directly impact lives and livelihoods in Britain and around the globe, not just today but for generations to come.
“As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, The King is proud that this week’s State Visit stands as a symbol and a celebration of how far we have come on that unifying journey.”
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King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting the Holy See from October 22-23 | REUTERSThe two-day visit will focus on two key themes, Christian unity and care for the planet.
It is expected to underline the King’s long-standing interest in faith dialogue and environmental stewardship.
A highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, October 23.
Here, King Charles and Pope Leo will become the first British monarch and pontiff to pray side by side since Henry VIII’s break from Rome more than 500 years ago.
King Charles and Pope Leo are set to become the first British monarch and pontiff to pray together since Henry VIII’s break with Rome | REUTERSThe service will be dedicated to the care of creation, with the Sistine Chapel Choir performing alongside the Choir of St George’s Chapel and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal beneath Michelangelo’s famed ceiling.
During their stay, the King and Queen will also visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, a church with centuries-old links to the English crown, where Charles will be formally granted the title of Royal Confrater of Saint Paul.
The visit coincides with the Vatican’s Jubilee Year, a holy event that takes place once every 25 years.