Pope Leo XIV met with Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullally of Canterbury at the Vatican on April 27, discussing the challenges and importance of continued dialogue between Catholics and Anglicans.
The meeting focused on efforts to overcome differences between the two churches. Pope Leo said that although “the path to full communion has become ‘more difficult to discern,'” both groups must keep working together and “proclaim Christ to the world.” He acknowledged progress made on divisive issues but noted that “new problems have arisen in recent decades” making ecumenical efforts more challenging. Despite these difficulties, he stated it “would also be a scandal if we did not continue to work towards overcoming our differences, no matter how intractable they may appear.”
During her visit, Archbishop Mullally joined Pope Leo for midday prayer in the Chapel of Urban VIII. In his remarks, Pope Leo welcomed her by highlighting that divisions among Christians weaken their ability to spread peace: “our suffering world greatly needs the peace of Christ, [but] divisions among Christians weakens our capacity to be effective bearers of that peace.” He continued: “If the world is to take our preaching to heart, we must, therefore, be constant in our prayers and efforts to remove any stumbling blocks that hinder the proclamation of the Gospel.” The pope expressed hope for unity through friendship and dialogue.
Archbishop Mullally thanked Pope Leo for speaking out about injustices during his recent apostolic journey in Africa. She said: “The world needed this message at this time — thank you,” adding it reminded people about their longing for fullness of life and common good. She emphasized hospitality as a form of ministry: It is “a willingness to make space for one another as those created in the image of God… Already, we receive from one another gifts we cannot generate alone… In these, our common witness is strengthened.”
Her pilgrimage included visits to St. Peter’s Basilica and other historic sites in Rome aimed at strengthening Anglican–Roman Catholic relations through prayer and formal theological dialogue. The Diocese of Canterbury reported she is the first female archbishop leading Anglicans after being appointed by King Charles III last October.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts since a historic encounter between church leaders in 1966 toward greater cooperation between Anglican Communion members and Roman Catholics.
