Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV meets with Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla during a private audience at the Vatican October 23, 2025. Photo: Reuters

King Charles and Pope Leo pray together in a 500‑year first

Although Charles has met the last three popes, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI travelled to Britain, their previous encounters did not include joint prayers

White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/YARA NARDI

White smoke billows from Sistine Chapel as new pope elected

A tapestry designed by Renaissance artist Raphael is installed on a lower wall of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican as part of celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of his death in this handout photo released on February 17, 2020. Governatorato SCV © Direzione dei Musei/Handout via REUTERS

All Raphael's tapestries return to Sistine Chapel after centuries