Relations between the Holy See and Great Britain have been tense since the Anglican Schism of the 16th century.
In fact, the so-called "Red Book" is kept at the English College in Rome. It records the names of the priests who studied there and who, upon returning to England, were killed during the persecution unleashed against Catholics.
PR. MAURICE WHITEHEAD
Archivist
Many of the students, in the late years of Elizabeth I, and into the 17th century, took a new persona when they arrived in Rome. Took a new name, a new pair of names—a new Christian name, a new surname—to disguise themselves from English government spies who were watching the college.
However, the situation has improved significantly in recent decades. 1982 was a key year when the Vatican and Great Britain elevated their diplomatic delegations to the status of nunciature and embassy. This was the first step that allowed Pope John Paul II to visit Great Britain. He was the first pope to walk on English soil since the schism.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI also traveled there.
Over the past few decades, the British royal family has also been seen at the Vatican with some regularity. Queen Elizabeth II met with all the popes except Pope Paul VI.
King Charles could also be seen with Pope Francis when Charles was still a prince. In fact, he was present at the canonization of John Henry Newman, the cardinal theologian who lived in anti-Catholic England during the 19th century.
The latest sign of the current good relations between the two states was highlighted by the ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott. He recalled that the papal envoy who attended the coronation of Charles III was present at the celebration from inside Westminster Abbey, a feat that has not happened since 1553. Pope Francis also gave the British monarchs a very special gift: a fragment of the True Cross.
JRB
TR: GS
