In a landmark event bridging centuries of religious division, King Charles III of the United Kingdom participated in a public prayer service with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. This historic gathering, held on Thursday, marked the first time a reigning British monarch has prayed publicly with a pope since the 16th-century schism initiated by King Henry VIII. The 76-year-old monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, joined the US-born pontiff for a 30-minute ceremony that seamlessly blended Catholic and Anglican traditions. The service, held beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, symbolized a significant step toward reconciliation between the two Christian denominations. King Charles, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and Pope Leo, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, underscored their shared commitment to environmental conservation during the event. The ceremony featured choirs from both the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, further highlighting the unity of the occasion. The visit also comes amid renewed scrutiny of the British royal family, following Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his Duke of York title amid ongoing controversies.