Archbishop of Canterbury backs Pope ahead of upcoming visit

Archbishop Mullally said: “I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace. As innocent people are killed and displaced, families torn apart and futures destroyed, the human cost of war is incalculable.”

She urged Christians to “work and pray for peace”. She did not directly address US President Donald Trump or any other political leaders in the statement but said: “We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict.”

Archbishop Mullally urged “Anglicans across the Church of England and the Anglican communion to join with His Holiness in raising our voices for peace and justice throughout the world”.

Commenting on Archbishop Mullally’s trip to Rome from April 25-28, during which she will meet Pope Leo, former Tablet editor Catherine Pepinster said: “Given that the obstacles mentioned in previous post-visit documents included women’s ordination and female bishops, it will be an extraordinary sight to see the first female Archbishop of Canterbury welcomed to Rome.

“Other female bishops from the Anglican Communion have visited Rome, and both Rowan Williams and Justin Welby were accompanied by female chaplains – but this is in a different league,” Ms Pepinster said.

“It will be an unprecedented occasion if Pope Leo, leader of a church with a male-only clergy, and the female Archbishop of Canterbury officiate at a service of prayer together.”

Ms Pepinster said there is “a mutual respect and an understanding of difference between the two denominations, rather than any likelihood of full unity”.

FULL STORY

Archbishop of Canterbury backs pope’s calls for peace amid Trump feud (By Caroline Davies/The Guardian)

Explainer: The Archbishop of Canterbury meets the Pope (Religion Media Centre)