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Canon Marcus Holden welcomes King Charles on his visit to Rome

Canon Marcus Holden, the Rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, welcomed King Charles during his visit to Rome.

King Charles spoke with seminarians at Beda College, which trains English speaking men for the Sacred Priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church.

Commenting on the visit, Canon Marcus said:

The visit of His Majesty to the Holy Father, to St Paul’s Basilica and to our own Pontifical Beda College was an immense blessing. He came to foster unity through prayer and friendship. This encounter was a moment of grace for us in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Pope Leo XIV has been joined by King Charles at various events in Rome, including an ecumenical prayer in the Sistine Chapel. 

During the King's visit to Beda College, he watered an orange tree which had been planted to mark the visit, and he unveiled a plaque. 

James, Liam, and Theo are seminarians in the Archdiocese of Southwark, who are currently studying at the Venerable English College in Rome and were invited along to the events.

James said:

“It was a great blessing to be in Rome for this very special occasion. Having the opportunity to pray with the King in St Paul’s Basilica, and to meet him afterwards, was truly incredible. It was good to see the event so well supported by clergy, lay people, and politicians, including the British Foreign Secretary.

As a Southwark seminarian in Rome, you can feel a long way from home, so it was wonderful to see King, Country, and the Catholic Church coming together for this historic moment. A great day for British Catholics and all Christian people. Please God, it might encourage more people back home to see the Catholic priesthood as a normal and good vocation and answer Christ’s call to serve His Church.”

Please pray for James, Liam and Theo, and all the seminarians at Beda College, as they prepare for the Sacred Priesthood.