Rome: The Archbishop of Canterbury has praised her recent meeting with Pope Leo, describing it as 'a significant moment' filled with warmth and hope. Although Sarah Mullally, the first female to hold the top ministry role in the Church of England, did not disclose whether US President Donald Trump was a topic of conversation, she emphasized their mutual desire for global peace, reconciliation, and justice.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mullally's historic meeting with the pope at the Vatican was marked by a shared prayer session. The archbishop highlighted the significance of the meeting, not because of her gender, but due to the churches' ongoing journey to deepen their friendship, pray together, and seek unity. Mullally refrained from discussing the role of women in ministry but noted that they met as pastors to address pressing global issues and the church's role in offering hope.
During their conversation, Pope Leo encouraged Anglicans and Catholics to work together to overcome differences, though he did not specify what those differences might be. The Church of England first ordained women priests in 1994, and Mullally made history as the first woman to serve as Bishop of London. At her recent enthronement in Canterbury, a long-time campaigner for women's ordination in the Catholic Church showed support outside the cathedral.
Mullally characterized her audience with the pope as a 'meeting of two pastors.' Following Trump's recent criticisms of the pope, the archbishop issued a statement supporting the pontiff's calls for peace and urging political leaders to pursue peaceful resolutions to conflicts. While she did not confirm if Trump's comments were discussed, Mullally emphasized their conversation centered on the church's role in bringing hope and reconciliation to the world.
When asked about a controversial image Trump had shared portraying himself as Jesus, Mullally declined to comment, reiterating her role as a pastoral leader focused on providing care and praying for global peace. She acknowledged that, as a spiritual leader, her statements might sometimes intersect with political matters but clarified that her primary role is not political.
The archbishop and the pope also discussed pastoral care responsibilities and the importance of ensuring community well-being. In her address to the pope, Mullally underscored the need to tell a hopeful story amidst global violence and division. She recalled the British monarch's appreciation for the pope's recent visit to Rome, which marked a historic moment of shared prayer between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
Mullally extended an invitation to Pope Leo for a visit to the United Kingdom, promising a warm welcome. Among the gifts presented to the pope was a jar of honey from Lambeth Palace Garden, symbolizing a simple and hospitable gesture. The pope humorously remarked 'still a nurse,' referencing Mullally's previous career as England's chief nurse.
Following their meeting, Mullally participated in a prayer service with the pope in the Chapel of Urban VIII. Her four-day visit to Rome aims to strengthen Anglican-Roman Catholic relations by deepening bonds of communion and fostering collaboration at both global and local levels. She was accompanied by Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales.