Story perspectives

Anglican Archbishop Mullally Visits Vatican, Sparks African Criticism

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archbishop Sarah Mullally traveled to the Vatican for a four-day visit, the first high-level Anglican-Catholic encounter since 1966.
During the meeting with Pope Leo, Mullally highlighted immigration, poverty, war, the environment and youth engagement as shared challenges.
Bishop Anthony Ball said the meeting offered a chance to build personal relationships and reinforce institutional ties.
Conservative African archbishops criticized Mullally’s appointment because of her gender and support for same-sex marriage.

History

Historical Context

In 1966 Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI met in Rome, inaugurating the first official Anglican-Catholic dialogue and prompting the creation of the Anglican Centre in Rome amid the Second Vatican Council’s ecumenical surge. The four-day 2024 visit of Archbishop Sarah Mullally to meet Pope Leo builds on that breakthrough, addressing immigration, poverty, war and climate, and signals partnership between the Anglican Communion and Roman Catholic Church.

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Story summary

Archbishop Sarah Mullally traveled to the Vatican for a four-day visit, the first high-level Anglican-Catholic encounter since 1966.
During the meeting with Pope Leo, Mullally highlighted immigration, poverty, war, the environment and youth engagement as shared challenges.
Bishop Anthony Ball said the meeting offered a chance to build personal relationships and reinforce institutional ties.
Conservative African archbishops criticized Mullally’s appointment because of her gender and support for same-sex marriage.

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