King Charles made history by praying publicly with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel — the first time a reigning British monarch has done so since Henry VIII’s 1534 break with Rome. Joined by Queen Camilla, he took part in a service blending Anglican and Catholic traditions beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes. The moment drew sharp pushback from some Protestant voices, including Northern Ireland cleric Kyle Paisley, even as a Vatican correspondent hailed it as a symbolic step toward reconciliation between the churches.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.