King Charles has come under fire after joining Pope Leo XIV in prayer during his visit to Rome, Italy, on Thursday.

On October 23, the 76-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla, 78, met with the newly elected Pope as part of their state visit to the Holy See. The trip coincided with the 2025 Jubilee Year, a major event in the Catholic Church.

This visit follows their earlier trip to Italy in April, when they met with the late Pope Francis, just days before his passing on Easter Monday, April 21.

Now, for the first time since Pope Leo XIV’s election in May 2025, Charles and Camilla have returned to Rome, resulting in a historic moment: the king and the Pope praying together. It marked the first time in 500 years that a British monarch and a pontiff have participated in a joint prayer during a church service.

Criticism over King Charles praying with Pope Leo XIV

As supreme governor of the Church of England, King Charles became the first reigning English monarch since Henry VIII to publicly pray with the head of the Catholic Church.

The moment took place خلال a “unique ecumenical service” inside the Sistine Chapel. While it was viewed by many as a significant gesture of unity, it also drew criticism from a reverend who questioned its appropriateness.

King Charles has often emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and unity. However, not everyone agrees with his approach.