Pope Francis has given King Charles III fragments believed to have come from the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
The fragments of the religious relic, known as the True Cross, have been incorporated into a processional cross that will be used at the King's May coronation in London.
The shards have been fashioned into a tiny cross, encased by a rose crystal gemstone in centre of King Charles's cross.
Inscribed on the back of the cross are words from St David's last sermon in Welsh.
"Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain," the inscription reads, which translates to "Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things."
As the King enters Westminster Abbey on May 6, the cross will be held aloft by leaders of the procession.
The Church of Wales said the gift was a gesture symbolising unity between the Christian denominations.
"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 statement said.
After the coronation, the cross will be shared between the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches in Wales.
"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 at a service on Wednesday in Llandudno in North Wales.
"We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide their majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service."
The silver elements of the processional cross have been recycled from the Royal Mint, and bear a stamp of certification, which King Charles applied himself in November last year.
King Charles has close links to Wales. As heir to the throne, he held the title of Prince of Wales until he became King last September on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
His son and heir Prince William has taken on his father's previous title of Prince of Wales.
ABC/wires
