History of Coronation in Timeline
A coronation is the ceremony of crowning a new monarch. It symbolizes the formal investiture of power and may include presenting regalia, taking vows, and receiving homage. In some Christian traditions, it's a religious rite involving anointing with holy oil, drawing from biblical examples. The monarch's spouse might also be crowned.
1963: Last Papal Coronation
The last papal coronation took place in 1963. Since then, popes have opted for simpler inauguration ceremonies.
1978: Papal Inauguration of Pope John Paul I
In 1978, Pope John Paul I chose a papal inauguration instead of a coronation, marking a shift away from traditional coronation ceremonies.
1989: Authorization of Canonical Coronation Decree
Since 1989, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has been authorized to decree canonical coronations.
1990: Publication of "Coronations: Medieval and Early Modern Monarchic Ritual"
The book "Coronations: Medieval and Early Modern Monarchic Ritual," edited by Janos M. Bak, was published in 1990 by University of California Press.
2010: Publication of "Die Kroenung Josephs II. in Frankfurt am Main"
Bernhard A. Macek authored the book "Die Kroenung Josephs II. in Frankfurt am Main. Logistisches Meisterwerk, zeremonielle Glanzleistung und Kulturgueter fuer die Ewigkeit," published by Peter Lang in 2010.
2010: Publication of "Power of rituals and rituals of power"
DuĊĦan Zupka published a chapter titled "Power of rituals and rituals of power: Religious and secular rituals in the political culture of medieval Kingdom of Hungary" in the book "Historiography in Motion" in 2010.
2014: Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Juquila
In 2014, Pope Francis conducted a canonical coronation of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception of Juquila.
2015: Canonical Coronation Tradition Continues
As of 2015, the tradition of canonical coronation, a pious institutional act by the Pope, continues.
May 2023: Coronation of Charles III
The coronation of Charles III occurred in May 2023, a few months after he became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
2023: Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
In 2023, the most recent coronation worldwide took place in London for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
2023: Most Recent British Coronation
The most recent coronation in Great Britain happened in 2023, continuing a tradition with roots in medieval Christendom.