Pope Leo XIV receives title of Papal Confrater

Pope Leo XIV accepted the title of Papal Confrater from the College of St George at the Windsor chapel on October 23, 2026. This follows a reciprocal gesture made during King Charles III's state visit to the Vatican in October 2025, when the Pope gave the King the honorary title of Royal Confrater at the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul Outside the Walls.

The Royal House of England stated that this exchange of titles serves as a sign of spiritual communion and ecumenical friendship. The move marks the first time in 500 years that a pope has accepted a religious distinction from the United Kingdom since the 16th century.

As part of this arrangement, the Pope will have a designated chair at Windsor, while King Charles III has been accorded a similar privilege at the basilica in Rome.