King Charles Breaks 500-Year Tradition in a Surprising Move for ‘Unity’
King Charles extended an unexpected olive branch towards Pope Leo XIV after 500 years of distance from the Vatican.
In 1534, the British Parliament formally severed ties with the Vatican, declaring King Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England. The move, apparently made to allow the then-monarch to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, was sustained by his multiple successors. From the Tudors to the Windsors, the royals remained distant from the Catholic Church for 500 years. But now, King Charles has extended an olive branch to Pope Leo XIV, citing a 'shared desire for Christian unity.'
On Friday, Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that the Pope will be bestowed a special honorary title. “With the gracious approval of His Majesty The King, The Dean and Canons of Windsor are delighted to announce that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has become Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel, Windsor,” the statement read. As the King, Charles is currently the Head of the Church of England.
According to the Palace, this act of 'confraternity' represents “a visible sign of spiritual fellowship, ecumenical friendship and Christian fraternity”. St. George’s Chapel holds a significant place within the monarchy. The church has hosted royal weddings like that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. The royal family also attends its annual Easter service at the chapel.
Two specially commissioned chairs have been created. The one presented to the monarch sits next to the monastic stalls in St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, and a corresponding chair for the Pope will be unveiled at St. George’s Chapel in the coming days. This is the first time in 500 years that the two churches have exchanged titles.
The Palace further added that this development “recognizes both the centuries-old relationship between the College and Chapel of St George, Windsor and the Holy See, and the progress in relations between the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Anglican Communion”.
Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pope last year during a state visit to the Vatican. On the trip, the monarch was greeted as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls. In a historic moment, Charles and the Pope prayed together at the Sistine Chapel. The King extended his wishes to the Pontiff after the latter’s recent cancer diagnosis.
