In a significant step towards bridging relations between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the Vatican on Thursday, October 5, 2023. This visit marks a historic moment for both churches, as it comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the British royal family related to the Epstein scandal involving Prince Andrew.
Upon their arrival at St. Peter’s Square, a site nearly cleared by security personnel, the royal couple met with Pope Leo XIV for their inaugural audience since his election in May. The highlight of their visit was a midday prayer service in the Sistine Chapel, signifying the first time since the Reformation that the leaders of these two Christian denominations prayed together.
The relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England has been marked by centuries of division on critical issues, including the ordination of female priests and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and unity between the two bodies.
King Charles was to receive the title of “Royal Confrater” during a ceremony at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a basilica with longstanding ties to the Church of England. In a reciprocal gesture, Pope Leo XIV was granted the title of “Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.” This exchange of titles underscores the shared commitment to spiritual fellowship.
The timing of this visit coincides with renewed attention on the British royal family due to the ongoing fallout from Prince Andrew’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal resurfaced following the publication of a memoir by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. Although the 65-year-old prince has stated he will cease using his titles, including Duke of York, he has firmly denied Giuffre’s allegations. Pressure is mounting on Buckingham Palace and the U.K. government to formally strip him of his titles and residence near Windsor Castle.
Originally planned for earlier this year, the visit was postponed due to the illness and subsequent death of Pope Francis. King Charles had expressed a desire to visit the Vatican during the 2025 Holy Year, a significant celebration in Christianity that occurs once every quarter-century.
The split between Anglicans and Catholics dates back to 1534 when King Henry VIII sought an annulment of his marriage. While there have been efforts over the years to cultivate amicable relations between the two churches, significant theological differences remain, particularly regarding the ordination of women, which the Catholic Church continues to prohibit.
As the royal couple concluded their visit, they left behind a hopeful message of unity and collaboration that may pave the way for future dialogue between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
