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.

“Not being true to his oath,” says reverend

Reverend Kyle Paisley, son of Democratic Unionist Party founder Ian Paisley, voiced his disapproval, arguing that the king is not remaining faithful to his religious promise.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme, Paisley insisted that King Charles should “uphold the protestant faith” and claimed that praying alongside the Pope is “breaking his oath” and failing “to defend a reformed faith when he mixes in that kind of way.”

Calls for abdication

When asked whether King Charles should abdicate, Reverend Paisley responded: “Yes, because I don’t think he is being true to his oath.

“The Protestant faith historically and theologically is a world apart from Catholicism,” he continued. “I don’t for the life of me see how he can engage in that kind of corporate worship. It gives the impression that it’s not essentially different.”

Buckingham Palace has not yet issued a response to the criticism.

Purpose of Charles and Camilla’s visit

Ahead of the royal audience with Pope Leo XIV, a spokesperson for King Charles released a statement emphasizing the importance of the trip. The king highlighted the historic nature of the visit and what it represents for improving relations between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

He stated: “His Majesty is greatly looking forward to meeting Pope Leo and celebrating together the historical significance of this visit, representing, as it does, such a landmark in relationships between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. And between the UK and the Holy See.

“At times of such global challenge, it has seldom been more important for Christian communities around the world to unite in faith and in fellowship with our partners.”