Pope Leo has been appointed as Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel, Windsor in what's being seen as a "symbol of hope" for Christian unity.
The appointment, which was made with the approval of King Charles III, was announced by the Dean and Canons of Windsor on Friday 23 October, on the first anniversary of the King's state visit to the Holy See. During his visit to Rome, Charles was welcomed as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.
Announcing the appointment, the Dean and Canons of Windsor said:
“This act of confraternity represents a visible sign of spiritual fellowship, ecumenical friendship and Christian fraternity. It recognises both the centuries-old relationship between the College and Chapel of St George, Windsor and the Holy See, and the progress in relations between the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. It also reflects the deep mutual esteem between His Holiness and His Majesty and their shared desire for Christian unity."
The Archbishop of Westminster Most Rev Richard Moth welcomed the move as a "gesture of brotherhood" from King Charles, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. He reflected that it is "a sign of the close relationship between the UK and the Holy See, and a reflection on the strong historical ties between the Papacy and the Kingdom of England, dating back centuries before the Reformation. It is also a symbol of hope, encapsulated in the ecumenical commitment 'Ut unum sint', 'That they may be one' (Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper John 17:21), for the future of ecumenical relationships between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
“I thank King Charles III for this important visible sign of spiritual fellowship, ecumenical friendship and Christian fraternity".
Writing on X, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally also welcomed the appointment, saying it represents "another step on our ecumenical pilgrimage".
Archbishop Richard who is also President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said he hoped the Pope would one day be able to take his place on the Papal Confrater Chair in St George’s Chapel.