King Charles III's coronation to feature these Christian relics

Updated : Apr 19, 2023 22:32
|
AFP

A ceremonial silver cross containing shards said by the Vatican to be from the cross used to crucify Jesus Christ was blessed on Wednesday, before its use in King Charles III's coronation early next month.

Pope Francis gave the two fragments of the "True Cross", one 5 millimetres long and the other 1 centimetre, as a gift to mark the crowning of the monarch and his wife Camilla as queen on May 6.

They have been fashioned into a tiny cross and incorporated into the overall design, visible behind a rose crystal gemstone.

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, blessed the new Cross of Wales before dignitaries and parishioners at a service in Llandudno, north Wales.

It will now be taken to London and be carried at the head of the coronation procession.

The archbishop said the cross "speaks to our Christian faith, our heritage, our resources and our commitment to sustainability".

"We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide Their Majesties (Charles and Camilla) into Westminster Abbey at the coronation service."

Charles presented the Cross of Wales to the Anglican Church in Wales to mark its centenary.

It took designer Michael Lloyd two years to make and was crafted from recycled silver bullion, with fragments of Welsh timber and slate.

After the coronation, it will be shared by the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches in Wales.

King Charles III

Recommended For You

editorji | World

G7 summit: PM Modi holds brief conversation with US President Trump

editorji | World

Trump arrives at G7 summit looking for momentum after announcing a deal to end Iran war

editorji | World

India, Slovakia upgrade ties to comprehensive partnership; ink 11 pacts

editorji | World

All 22 crew members evacuated after third vessel with Indians on board was attacked off Oman

editorji | World

Trump threatens to take 'total control' of Iran's oil industry as ceasefire teeters