King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV exchange religious titles

In a historic gesture not seen in 500 years, King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV have exchanged honorary religious titles to emphasize Christian unity.

According to official communications from the British Royal Family, Pope Leo XIV has been named a ‘papal confrater’ of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. In return, King Charles III has been recognized as a ‘royal confrater’ of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

The exchange aims to highlight the connections between Christian traditions amidst a global landscape marked by polarization and conflict. The gesture is described as a visible sign of spiritual unity, ecumenical friendship, and Christian brotherhood between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England.