Pope Francis has given King Charles ‘a relic of the True Cross’ as a coronation gift.
Fragments said to be from the cross on which Jesus was crucified have been incorporated into the newly-made Cross of Wales which will be used at the head of the coronation procession in Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
The Cross of Wales was presented by King Charles to the Church in Wales as a centenary gift.
Made by master silversmith Michael Lloyd in consultation with the Royal Collection, the cross is inscribed with the words from the last sermon of St David, patron saint of Wales, which read: “Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain”, which translates as: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”
The Cross of Wales was made using Welsh materials such as slate, reclaimed wood, and silver from the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
While the coronation will be an Anglican service, the prominent inclusion of a gift from the Pope reflects the king’s desire to have other denominations and faiths represented.
It was blessed by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, at Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno.
The Church in Wales described the gift as “a significant ecumenical gesture”.
The Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia, Mark O’Toole, said, “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.
“It is not only a sign of the deep Christian roots of our nation but will, I am sure, encourage us all to model our lives on the love given by our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We look forward to honouring it, not only in the various celebrations that are planned, but also in the dignified setting in which it will find a permanent home.”