VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has given the King two fragments from the True Cross - said to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ - to mark his Coronation.

The relic was solemnly presented to the Royal Household by Vatican delegates at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace last week. It was characterised as a "personal gift" from Pope Francis to His Majesty.

The King asked that the shards be added to a new processional cross that he had commissioned for the Church in Wales to commemorate its centennial before becoming king, in what was regarded as a "significant ecumenical gesture."

One part measures 1 centimetre and the other 5 mm, and both are formed like crosses. They are currently embedded in the larger silver cross, hidden under a rose crystal gem.

The King's "deep and long-standing affection for Wales" is supposed to be the reason the cross will be used to lead the procession into Westminster Abbey on the day of his coronation. It will be distributed between the Welsh Catholic and Anglican churches after its repatriation.

Welsh windfall wood, a stand of Welsh slate and recycled silver bullion from the Royal Mint in Llantrisant were used to create the cross.

The Welsh translation of St. David's final sermon is written on the back and reads, "Be glad. Never lose hope. Take small actions.

The cross, which is over 50 cm tall and 25 cm wide, received the "King's Mark" in November, which is a leopard's head, for the first time by a head of state. The initiative intends to inspire and recruit a new generation of volunteers by expressing how easy it is to get involved.

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, will bless it on Wednesday at Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno.

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