Pope Francis gifts a relic of the True Cross to King Charles III, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, as an ecumenical gesture.
Following a Thursday statement by Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, Holy See has donated fragments of the relic of the True Cross to King Charles III for his forthcoming coronation. The gift in essence is an indication of unity promotion among the world’s Christian Churches.
“Fragments of the Relic of the True Cross were donated by the Holy See in early April through the Apostolic Nunciature, to His Majesty King Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, as an ecumenical gesture on the occasion of the centenary of the Anglican Church in Wales,” Bruni said in response to journalist’ questions.
The wood fragments however are believed to come from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Notwithstanding, King Charles has given the cross to the Christians of Wales. The Anglican and Catholic Church according to Reuter will henceforth share the cross.
“With a sense of deep joy, we embrace this cross, kindly given by King Charles. And containing a relic of the true cross, generously gifted by the Holy See.” Said Catholic Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff in a statement published on the Church in Wales website.
“Its design speaks to our Christian faith. Our heritage, our resources, and our commitment to sustainability,” Andrew John, the Anglican Archbishop of Wales said, according to Reuters. “We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide their majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service,” he added.
News about the gift however was first made public in a Twitter post by Christopher Trott. British Ambassador to the Holy See, reports the Vatican.
