Pope Leo XIV welcomed two royal visits last week, first from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, followed by Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. Observers of royal protocol noted that Camilla wore all black during her meeting with the Pope, adhering to a feminine tradition that is often overlooked. In contrast, Queen Mathilde donned all white, a privilege reserved for Catholic queens, of which there are only a handful worldwide.

The visit from King Charles III was particularly significant, as it highlighted the unique status of the British monarch. Charles serves as the head of state in the United Kingdom and other realms, including Canada and Australia. His role is described as sovereign “by the grace of God,” with extensive theoretical powers that are largely limited in practice. Additionally, he is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, although the church's governance is managed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the governing synod.

Pope Leo, on the other hand, is an absolute monarch, holding all executive, legislative, and judicial authority in Vatican City State, which is an independent and sovereign entity. He is also recognized as a head of state, representing the Holy See, the legal embodiment of the Pope’s role as the universal pastor of the Catholic Church. The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, emphasizing its role beyond that of a mere micro-state.

When leaders like King Charles and Pope Leo meet, it is essential to clarify their respective roles. The British are particularly meticulous about this distinction. For instance, while the British Prime Minister frequently meets with heads of state, only select leaders are invited for a “state visit,” where the King serves as the official host. This was evident when President Donald Trump received a significant invitation for a second state visit to the UK last month. In contrast, the Canadian Prime Minister does not make “state visits” since he is the head of government, while the King serves as the head of state.

During his visit, King Charles effectively made a state visit, embodying his role as head of state. He also participated in a liturgical prayer with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel, representing his position as a Christian leader. The Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell of York joined them, highlighting the unique relationship between the Church of England and the British monarchy, where the sovereign is the head of the church rather than a pastoral figure.

This joint prayer was particularly meaningful for King Charles, who is known for his spiritual depth. His father, Prince Philip, was of Greek descent and converted from Orthodoxy to Anglicanism upon marrying then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Philip’s mother lived in Buckingham Palace during her later years and founded a community of Orthodox sisters, which influenced Charles’s spiritual journey. He has sought guidance from Greek Orthodox spiritual advisors and has made multiple pilgrimages to Mount Athos, a revered site for Orthodox monks in Greece.

The blending of church and state during King Charles’s visit underscores the complex relationship between the monarchy and religious leadership, reflecting both historical traditions and contemporary spiritual sensibilities.