King Charles won't be at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration due to royal protocol
King Charles will not be attending the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (18 May), Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
This weekend, Pope Leo's inauguration will take place at the Vatican in Rome, marking the start of the pope's papacy.
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church last Thursday (8 May) after white smoke emerged following the mysterious conclave meeting.
The Chicago-born pontiff spent much of his career ministering in Peru and became the first North American pope in the church’s 2,000-year history.
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At 69, he also happens to be seven years younger than Pope Francis when he was elected in 2013.
"God has called me by your election to succeed the prince of the apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me," Pope Leo said after celebrating his first Mass.
On Sunday, religious figures, royals and heads of state will gather at the ceremony, which will begin at around 9.00am UK time.
However, one royal who won't be in attendance is King Charles, as well as his son, the Prince of Wales.
Instead, Prince Edward will represent His Majesty, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told PEOPLE.
Charles not attending the inauguration seems to be in line with previous tradition.
For example, in April, Prince William attended the funeral of Pope Francis, while Charles shared a heartfelt message about the passing of the former pope.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” he said.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Charles previously attended the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II - the day before he married Queen Camilla - and Prince Philip attended the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI weeks later.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ 2013 inauguration ceremony was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Topics: King Charles III, Prince William, Pope Leo, Royal Family, Religion
Lucy Devine