Pope Leo XIV prayed Monday in the Vatican with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, and vowed to keep working to overcome differences “no matter how intractable they may appear,” in a historic meeting with the first female leader of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion.
The encounter between Christianity’s two most prominent religious figures would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, given the divisions between their two churches over women’s ordination in general and Mullally’s appointment in particular.
Leo acknowledged that “new problems” in their relationship had been added onto “historically divisive issues.” But he nevertheless vowed to continue the tradition of past popes to try to reunite the churches.
Anglicans split from Rome in 1534, when English King Henry VIII was refused a marriage annulment. Despite a formal theological dialogue that began in the 1960s, major differences remain, especially over the Church of England’s decision to ordain women. The Roman Catholic Church reserves the priesthood for men.
Leo quoted the late Pope Francis as telling Anglican primates that “it would be a scandal if, due to our divisions, we did not fulfil our common vocation to make Christ known.”
“For my part, I add that it would also be a scandal if we did not continue to work towards overcoming our differences, no matter how intractable they may appear,” Leo said.
Mullally, whose appointment has split the already divided Anglican Communion, arrived early to meet with Leo and thanked him for welcoming her on her first foreign visit since her installation.
After meeting privately, the two prayed together in the Apostolic Palace in what the Vatican described as a “moment of prayer.” Mullally’s office said Leo presided, but both leaders participated jointly.
In her remarks, Mullally said both leaders were called to preach the Gospel with “renewed clarity,” stressing unity in the face of global challenges.
“In the face of inhuman violence, deep division, and rapid societal change, we must keep telling a more hopeful story: that every human life has infinite value because we are precious children of God,” she said.
Mullally is on a four-day pilgrimage to Rome aimed at strengthening Anglican–Roman Catholic relations through prayer, personal encounters, and theological dialogue.
Her appointment marks a historic moment for the Anglican Communion, following decades of gradual inclusion of women in church leadership roles.
Leo had earlier welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the Vatican, where they prayed together in a symbolic gesture of unity between the two churches.
Experts say the latest meeting signals a continued effort toward reconciliation despite enduring doctrinal differences, particularly on women’s ordination and church authority.
Mullally also expressed support for Leo’s global peace message and highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing worldwide challenges.
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Tags: Pope Leo XIV, Sarah Mullally, Vatican, Archbishop of Canterbury, Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Church of England, Christian Unity, Ecumenical Dialogue, Religion, Pope Francis, King Charles III, Global Christianity, Women Ordination
