The Pope gives Charles III two fragments of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified for his coronation.
The Pope has given two fragments of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified to the monarchy of England to lead the coronation procession of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen consort of the United Kingdom on May 6.
As an ecumenical sign
According to Vatican sources, «some time ago, the Holy See donated to England two fragments of the relic of the true cross as an ecumenical sign». These same sources have explained that these remains were kept in the Lipsanoteca room of the Vatican Museums.
Incorporated to the Cross of Wales
The two small fragments have been incorporated into the Welsh Cross, which can be seen by the millions of people following the enthronement of the new monarchs when it enters Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Cross shape
Both pieces are cross-shaped, one 1 cm and the other 5 mm, and are set in the larger silver crucifix behind a pink crystal gemstone, so they can only be seen up close.
Welsh Cross, gift of the King to the Church of Wales
The Welsh Cross, which is a gift from the King to the Church in Wales to celebrate its centenary, was blessed by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, at a service at Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno, North Wales, before leaving for London where the enthronement ceremony will take place.
