King Charles III, Queen Camilla Pray with Pope Leo XIV in Historic Vatican Service

Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a historic visit to the Vatican, participating in an ecumenical prayer service with Pope Leo XIV, marking the first such joint prayer between leaders of the Church of England and the Catholic Church since the Reformation. Seated on golden thrones in the Sistine Chapel before Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment," the service aimed to strengthen ties between the two churches, which have long been divided over issues such as the ordination of female priests. The event featured a blend of Anglican and Catholic musical traditions, including performances by choirs from both England and the Vatican. This spiritual occasion offered the royal couple a respite from the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which has reignited public scrutiny and calls for Andrew to be stripped of his titles. The visit had been delayed due to Pope Francis's illness and death but was strongly desired by King Charles during the 2025 Holy Year. Additionally, the event highlighted ongoing tensions within the Anglican Communion related to progressive policies, with some conservative factions criticizing LGBTQ-affirming stances and the appointment of female bishops as divisive.