King Charles III of the United Kingdom is set to make history during his state visit to the Vatican, marking the first public prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the 16th-century schism between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will see Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his succession in May following the passing of Pope Francis. This momentous event underscores a significant step in the reconciliation of the two Christian denominations, which have been estranged since King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534. The highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, focusing on environmental conservation, a cause close to Charles’s heart. The service will feature a joint choir from the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, symbolizing unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two churches. Additionally, Charles will be honored as a ‘Royal Confrater’ at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a gesture recognizing the spiritual connection between the denominations. The visit coincides with preparations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a major event that attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the trip occurs amid personal challenges for the king, including new revelations about his brother Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer. Despite these difficulties, the monarch’s visit to the Vatican highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity.