In a landmark moment for Christian unity, Britain’s King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV will pray together in the Sistine Chapel on Oct. 23 — the first such joint prayer between the heads of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church since the Reformation nearly 500 years ago.

The ecumenical service, focused on shared concerns for caring for God’s creation, marks a major symbolic step toward reconciliation between the two faiths.

The Vatican and Buckingham Palace announced that Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Rome from Oct. 22–23, a trip initially scheduled for April but delayed following Pope Francis’ death. During the visit, Charles — as the titular head of the Church of England — will receive the honorary title of Royal Confrater at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a basilica with historic Anglican ties. A special chair bearing his coat of arms will be placed there for use by him and future monarchs.

The Archbishop of York will represent the Anglican Church at the service, as Archbishop of Canterbury-designate Sarah Mullally has yet to be installed. The choirs of both the Vatican and the British royal chapels will perform hymns together.

Anglicans broke from Rome in 1534 under King Henry VIII. Despite ongoing divisions — including over the ordination of women — both churches continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.