In a historic and heartfelt statement, King Charles III has broken his silence following the election of Pope Robert Francis Prevost, expressing both admiration and hope for a renewed spirit of unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

The announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as the new pope came as a surprise to many, as he is known for his pastoral approach, deep theological background, and dedication to reform within the Church.

Born in the United States and having served extensively in Latin America, Pope Prevost brings an international perspective to the papacy, with a strong emphasis on social justice, humility, and inclusion.

Following several days of global reaction, King Charles issued a personal message of congratulations from Buckingham Palace, praising Pope Prevost’s “lifelong commitment to faith, service, and compassion.” The King highlighted the “shared values” between their traditions and expressed his hope for deeper cooperation between the Vatican and the Church of England in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

“As Supreme Governor of the Church of England,” the King stated, “I offer my warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Robert Francis Prevost on his ascension to the papacy. His devotion to serving the marginalized and his vision for a more compassionate and inclusive world resonate deeply with the values we hold dear.”

The King also reflected on the importance of interfaith dialogue, a cause he has long championed. In his statement, he emphasized that “in an increasingly divided world, our spiritual institutions must stand as beacons of unity, peace, and understanding.”

This message is particularly significant given King Charles’s well-known interest in interreligious harmony. Throughout his life, he has expressed admiration for diverse faiths and cultures, and his reign has seen a continuation of efforts to bridge religious divides. His respectful acknowledgment of the new pope underscores his broader commitment to fostering global cooperation and mutual respect.

Pope Robert Francis Prevost, who succeeds Pope Francis I, has already indicated that he plans to continue the work of reform within the Vatican and focus on making the Church more accessible and transparent. He has expressed interest in strengthening relationships with other Christian denominations, a gesture that King Charles appears eager to support.

Observers say this mutual openness between the new pope and the British monarch could mark a new chapter in Anglican-Catholic relations, which have long been defined by both theological differences and historical tension. While full ecclesiastical unity remains a complex issue, symbolic gestures such as these foster hope for increased collaboration on humanitarian and spiritual fronts.

As the world watches how this new papacy unfolds, King Charles’s words remind us that even centuries-old institutions can find common ground in shared values and a vision for a better future.