By Katherine Tinsley
11:11am PDT, Oct 22, 2025
_
King Charles III will be the first British monarch to pray with a pope since the Reformation period.
King Henry VIII severed ties with the Catholic Church in 1534 when the Act of Supremacy was passed. His first annulment from Catherine of Aragon led him to establish the Church of England, with himself as the head. His marriage to Anne of Cleves was later annulled in 1540.
_
King Henry VIII's decision led to all British monarchs being the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Despite King Charles III's role within the protestant religion, he will attend service at the Sistine Chapel with Pope Leo XIV to pray during an ecumenical service.
_
"The visit will mark Their Majesties' first meeting with Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The visit will also mark a significant moment in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England, of which His Majesty is Supreme Governor, recognising the ecumenical work they have undertaken and reflecting the Jubilee year's theme of walking together as 'Pilgrims of Hope,'" a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement.
_
The "Care for Creation" service will unite the Catholic and Anglican practices, marking a new chapter for the two religions.
