King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey, marking their first state visit to the Vatican in late October. This highly anticipated trip will see the British royal couple meet with Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, who was elected in May after the passing of Pope Francis. The visit is particularly noteworthy given the historical context of the relationship between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church, dating back to the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke away from Rome.
During their visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will join Pope Leo XIV in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year, a special time for the Catholic Church marked every 25 years. The theme of this year’s jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reflects the spirit of ecumenical work and cooperation between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, which the royal couple will highlight during their trip. This visit underscores the efforts to build closer ties between the two churches, which have a shared history but diverged in the past.
King Charles III has a history of engagement with the Catholic Church, having met with three popes previously: Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and the late Pope Francis. In April, just before Pope Francis’s passing, the royal couple had a private meeting with him, during which Francis reportedly blessed their marriage. This upcoming state visit will be a formal occasion, emphasizing diplomatic relations and ecumenical dialogue, and is expected to further strengthen the bond between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
