POPE LEO XIV AND ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY SARAH MULLALLY PRAY TOGETHER IN HISTORIC VATICAN MEETING, PLEDGING UNITY DESPITE CHURCH DIVISIONS. (PHOTO).

 Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally pray together in historic Vatican meeting, pledging unity despite church divisions

 

 Pope Leo XIV met Monday at the Vatican with the Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, where the two prayed together and pledged to continue working to bridge long-standing divisions between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

Leo called the meeting historic and said he remained committed to overcoming differences “no matter how intractable they may appear,” while acknowledging that new tensions have been added to centuries-old theological disputes. The encounter brought together two of Christianity’s most prominent figures, including Mullally, the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the global Anglican Communion.

The meeting took place at the Vatican, where the two later prayed together in a chapel inside the Apostolic Palace in what was described as a private “moment of prayer.” The Vatican released photos and video of the encounter, which was closed to the press. Mullally’s office said the pope presided over the prayer, with both leaders participating together.

In remarks during the meeting, Mullally said both churches share a responsibility to preach the Gospel with renewed clarity and emphasized unity in the face of global challenges. She called for cooperation to promote peace, human dignity, and support for the vulnerable, saying faith communities must continue building bridges rather than divisions.

The meeting comes amid centuries of separation between the two churches, which split in the 16th century and have remained divided over issues including church authority and the ordination of women. The Roman Catholic Church continues to reserve priesthood ordination for men, while the Church of England has ordained women as priests and bishops, culminating in Mullally’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Leo referenced past efforts toward reconciliation, including formal theological dialogue that began in the 1960s, and quoted previous calls for unity among Christian churches. He reaffirmed that dialogue must continue despite longstanding disagreements.

Mullally’s visit to Rome is part of a multi-day trip that included meetings with Vatican officials and visits to major basilicas, where she prayed at the tombs of early Christian figures. Her office said the trip is intended to strengthen relations between the two churches through prayer, dialogue, and cooperation.

The meeting also follows previous Vatican encounters with Anglican and other Christian leaders and comes during ongoing discussions about church unity and global Christian cooperation. It occurred shortly after earlier Vatican visits involving other international religious and political figures, continuing efforts toward ecumenical engagement.

Mullally’s appointment has also drawn attention within the wider Anglican Communion, where views differ sharply on women’s leadership and other theological issues. While some churches have welcomed her leadership, others, particularly conservative groups in Africa and elsewhere, have expressed opposition and raised concerns about division within the communion.

Despite those tensions, both leaders emphasized continued engagement and dialogue. Mullally said she plans upcoming visits to African nations and expressed support for shared efforts toward peace and service, while Leo reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing discussions aimed at closer unity between the two traditions.