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(NewsNation) — King Charles III and Pope Leo made history Thursday by praying together in the Sistine Chapel during a remarkable visit by the royals to the Vatican to forge closer relations. 

According to the Vatican, Christian unity and care for the environment were themes of the visit. 

It was the first time since the 16th century that the heads of the two Christian churches, divided for centuries after King Henry VIII left the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England, have held a joint prayer service.

What is King Charles’ role in the Church of England?

Charles is the titular head of the Church of England. He is also known as the “Defender of the Faith,” a full formal legal title which dates back to the reign of King Henry VIII, before he broke away from the Catholic Church. Despite the rupture, the king retains the title.

Although the role is largely symbolic, the king does approve ecclesiastical laws and the appointment of bishops, archbishops, and a variety of other senior clergy, such as many deans of cathedrals, according to the Church of England.

In his first address as monarch in September 2022, Charles affirmed, “the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England – the church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted.”

Charles has spoken extensively about his own personal Christian faith, while also acknowledging the United Kingdom’s multi-religious society.

What is the Sistine Chapel, and why is it significant that the prayer service took place there?

The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest artistic and cultural treasures in the Vatican. It is the setting for papal conclaves and other important church services. 

Much of the chapel is decorated by the Renaissance master Michelangelo. His fresco on the ceiling depicts scenes from Genesis, including the Creation of Adam, and the main wall depicts the Last Judgment. Michelangelo painted both between 1508 and 1512 and commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV.

Why did the Anglicans split from the Catholic Church?

Anglicans broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534 when King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife and marry again, but was refused a marriage annulment. The two churches have remained divided ever since.

The Sistine Chapel service marked a historic new step toward unity and included readings and prayers focused on the unifying theme of God the creator.

Queen Elizabeth and relations with the Vatican

Queen Elizabeth II came to Rome six times during her reign, including during the Holy Year in 2000. 

“Pope Leo and King Charles coming together before God in prayer is an example of a genuine and profound cooperation,” Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic archbishop of Westminster, told The Associated Press.

Troubles at home over Epstein scandal

The visit to the Vatican from King Charles and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, comes as the Royal Family copes with tensions over the Epstein scandal and Charles’ younger brother Andrew’s alleged involvement. 

Buckingham Palace and the British government are under pressure to formally strip Prince Andrew of his princely title and luxurious home after new revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew agreed to stop using his title, Duke of York, but he still holds the title of duke, bestowed upon him by his mother, Queen Elizabeth. As the son of a monarch, he remains a prince.