King Charles III has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
HELLO! understands that the monarch, 76, expressed his "warmest wishes" to the new head of the Catholic Church following the conclusion of the papal conclave on Thursday.
Historic moment for the Church
© Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesPope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, becomes the first pope from North America. His election follows the passing of Pope Francis, who died earlier this month.
The new pontiff, 69, was chosen following two days of voting within the Vatican. A total of 133 cardinals took part in the conclave. White smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signalling to crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square that a new pope had been chosen.
A private message from the monarch
© Anthony Harvey/ShutterstockWhile Buckingham Palace has yet to release the full contents of the King’s message, sources close to the Palace say Charles acknowledged Pope Leo’s “lifelong dedication to service, compassion and spiritual leadership”.
It marks Charles’s first statement following the papal transition. The King, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has maintained close diplomatic relations with the Vatican throughout his reign.
When will King Charles meet the new pope?
© GettyAlthough no official date has been announced, it is likely that King Charles will meet Pope Leo XIV in 2026. Royal protocol suggests such meetings typically occur around 12 to 18 months after a new pontiff is elected.
The late Queen Elizabeth II met Pope Francis just over a year after he became pope in 2013. A similar timeline is expected for King Charles and Pope Leo.
Charles and Queen Camilla last visited the Vatican in early April, just weeks before Pope Francis’s death. They were granted an audience at the Apostolic Palace, where they discussed shared priorities including climate change and interfaith relations.
Global reaction to the new pontiff
© AFP via Getty ImagesWorld leaders have begun to issue statements congratulating the new pope. Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his enthusiasm, calling the election “a great honour for our country”.
He added: “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment.”
Shared priorities and interfaith dialogue
© Alamy Stock PhotoKing Charles has long supported interfaith dialogue and religious cooperation. His coronation ceremony included representatives from a number of faiths, reflecting the multicultural fabric of modern Britain.
As Pope, Leo XIV is expected to continue efforts around global humanitarian issues, including poverty, migration, and environmental protection — themes that also form key pillars of Charles’s public work.
In his documentary series Re:Generation, released in 2023, Charles discussed the importance of moral responsibility in leadership. It’s a value both men share.
Pope Francis: 5 surprising facts
© Getty Images1. Nightclub bouncer
When Pope Francis was a student, he worked as a nightclub bouncer in Argentina.
2. Real name
Pope Francis' real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He chose the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assis, who was known for his ministry to the poor.
3. Tango dancer
He practised the milonga, an Argentine style of tango, in his youth. As Pope, his love of dance endured, and in 2014, he was honored with a mass tango on the Via della Conciliazione by St. Peter’s Square to mark his 78th birthday.
4. Austere lifestyle
The Pope opted not to live in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, instead residing in a Vatican guest house. Compared to his predecessors, he lived a humble lifestyle, even cooking his own meals!
5. Power napper
The secret to mastering the role of Pope was his strict daily routine, including a 45-minute nap after lunch. In a 2017 interview with EWTN Vatican, the late pontiff said: "I go to my room, take off my shoes, and lie down fully dressed. I get up feeling good — with a clear head and reinvigorated, as if it were morning again."
Pope Leo’s official inauguration Mass will take place in Vatican City next week. Although Charles will not attend in person, it’s expected that the UK will be represented by a senior envoy or member of the royal household.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed whether Pope Leo will make an overseas visit in his first year.
For now, the focus remains on establishing his vision for the Church at a time of global change.
