King Charles to break 500-year divide during historic State Visit

The event is a rescheduling of April's postponed State Visit, due to the late Pope Francis' failing health.

For the first time since King Henry VIII cut ties with the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530's, the Pope and the monarch will pray together in a unique ecumenical service at the Sistine Chapel.

King Charles is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, so sources say the move will be a significant moment.

Over many decades, King Charles has tried to unite different faiths to create a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

During the visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will also visit the iconic Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, which has a historical connection the English Crown.

In a significant move, His Majesty has agreed to The Pope's suggestion to become Royal Confrater of the Abbey.

It is understood the gift of confraternity, meaning brotherhood, is a "recognition of spiritual fellowship" - emphasising the strengthening bond between the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church.

A Church of England spokesperson told GB News: "The Royal Confrater title, whilst it confers no duties or obligations on The King and makes no changes whatsoever to the formal constitutional and ecclesiastical position of His Majesty as Supreme Governor of Church of England, is a tribute to His Majesty and to his own work over many decades to find common ground between Faiths and to bring people together.

"It is intended as an ecumenical gesture of hospitality that bears witness to the historic ties between what is now the United Kingdom and the Basilica, and celebrates the deep and warm friendship between the two churches."

Meanwhile, a special seat, decorated with the King's Coat of Arms, has been permanently installed inside the Basilica as a "perpetual mark of mutual respect between Pope Leo and His Majesty as Heads of State".

King Charles is expected to use the chair during a special service, and it will be left for future use by the future Kings William, George, and beyond.

Their Majesties will stay just one night as they visit the Holy See from Wednesday 22nd - Thursday 23rd October, in contrast to last year's lengthy autumn tour.

In October 2024, The King and Queen undertook a realm visit to Australia, and attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa - lasting a total of nine days and travelling half way around the world.

King Charles still undergoes a weekly cycle of cancer treatment, but palace sources insist he is continuing a full programme of engagements and overseas visits.

His Majesty is expected to carry out a full programme of engagements and overseas travel in 2026, it is understood.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson told GB News: "At a time of global instability and conflict, the UK’s relationship with the Holy See is more important than ever - and this historic State Visit will be a key moment to strengthen this relationship."

"The Holy See has been a key actor on the international stage, promoting peace, effective measures to combat climate change and promote human dignity. The Catholic Church is the largest denomination of the world’s largest religion; it is the world’s largest nonstate education provider, educating 68 million students worldwide, and delivers a quarter of the world’s healthcare.

"His Majesty’s visit will therefore strengthen the UK’s relationship with this crucial and influential partner, helping to deliver on the Government’s priorities – from promoting peace and security around the world to working with our international partners to tackle climate change."

During The King and Queen's State Visit to Italy in April, they privately visited the Holy See to visit Pope Francis a few weeks before his death.

When Pope Leo XIV was elected in May, His Majesty sent a private message of congratulations and his "most sincere good wishes" for his pontificate.

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