King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Italy for an historic state visit to the Vatican. The trip marks a significant moment in Christian history, as Charles will become the first British monarch to pray at a public service with the Pope since the Reformation.
The royal couple received a formal welcome from Holy See representatives when they stepped off their plane at Ciampino 31st Wing Airport in Rome. Christopher Trott, British ambassador to the Holy See, Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández Gonzalez from the Vatican's Protocol Office, and Archbishop Francesco Canalini greeted them at the military base.
Historic moment of unity
The centrepiece of the visit will be an ecumenical service on Thursday at the Sistine Chapel, where the King and Pope Leo XIV will pray together. This moment represents a landmark in the ongoing dialogue between Anglican and Catholic churches, building on the ecumenical movement that began in the early 20th century.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "His Majesty is greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating together the historical significance of this visit, representing, as it does, such a landmark in relationships between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, and between the UK and the Holy See." The spokesperson emphasised the importance of Christian unity during times of global challenge.
Postponed visit now proceeding
The state visit was originally scheduled for April but had to be postponed due to Pope Francis's health problems. The previous Pope died later that month, leading to the election of Pope Leo XIV.
This will mark the first meeting between Charles and the current pontiff, though the King has previously met three of his predecessors. The two-day state visit officially begins on Thursday with a series of ceremonial events.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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