Pope presents shards from cross of Christ for King Charles’ coronation

Pope Francis gave parts of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified to a new processional cross for King Charles’ coronation next month.

The king gave the Welsh Church a recycled silver, slate, and wood cross for its centenary in 2020. It will lead the May 6 coronation procession at Westminster Abbey in London.

Two pope-donated relic shards form a cross behind a rose crystal gemstone.

“In a significant ecumenical gesture, the Cross of Wales will incorporate a relic of the True Cross, the personal gift of Pope Francis to His Majesty The King to mark the Coronation,” the Church in Wales, an Anglican branch, said.

Welsh Anglicans and Roman Catholics will share the cross after the coronation.

“Its design speaks to our Christian faith, our heritage, our resources and our commitment to sustainability,” said Andrew John, the Anglican Archbishop of Wales, who blessed the cross in Llandudno on Wednesday.

“We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide their majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service.”

Charles has strong Welsh ties. After his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died in September, he became king. His heir William is Prince of Wales.