Vatican City: In a landmark event, Britain’s King Charles and Pope Leo XIV shared a joint prayer at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, marking the first time a British monarch and a Catholic pope have worshiped together since King Henry VIII’s split from Rome in 1534.

The ceremony, featuring Latin chants and English prayers, was led by Pope Leo and Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell. King Charles, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, was seated beside the altar, symbolizing a renewed commitment to unity between Anglican and Catholic communities. The Sistine Chapel Choir, joined by two royal choirs, provided music for the service.

This historic encounter occurred during the King and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the Vatican, underscoring a “healing of history,” according to Anglican Rev. James Hawkey. The visit also included a private audience with Pope Leo and plans for King Charles to receive the honorary title of “Royal Confrater” at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Experts note that while previous popes visited Britain and Charles met past pontiffs, none included joint worship, highlighting the significance of this milestone in centuries of dialogue between the two churches.