Story perspectives

Canterbury Archbishop Meets Pope, Commits to Ecumenical Unity

4/28/2026

Summary

Mullally Meets Pope

On April 27, 2026, Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally met Pope Leo XIV and prayed.
She was joined by Archbishop Richard Moth, Anglican Centre director Anthony Ball and Margaret Cave.
Pope Leo XIV recalled 1966 Paul VI–Ramsey meeting and 2024 Anglican Primates gathering, urging unity.
Mullally gave Pope a 1910 copy of Newman’s “The Dream of Gerontius,” a retablo and honey.
Both leaders pledged ongoing ecumenical prayer for peace, justice and hope.

Summary

Mullally Faces Split

GAFCON leaders met in Abuja after Mullally’s appointment and warned of a possible Anglican split.
The Global Anglican Council launched to block reforms such as same-sex marriage and women’s ordination.
Conservative African provinces, the Communion’s fastest-growing segment, threatened to break ties over Mullally.
Analysts said the Pope’s audience with Mullally may signal the Vatican’s stance on Anglican divisions.
Catholic feminists noted the Pope refrained from commenting on women’s ordination.

History

Historical Context

Vatican II ended in 1965, urging Christian unity and prompting Pope Paul VI to pray publicly with about a hundred non-Catholic observers and to sign a joint declaration with Patriarch Athenagoras that lifted the 1054 excommunications. That ecumenical precedent underlies today’s 2026 audience between Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Sarah Mullally, as African Anglican provinces face internal splits.

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Mullally Meets Pope

On April 27, 2026, Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally met Pope Leo XIV and prayed.
She was joined by Archbishop Richard Moth, Anglican Centre director Anthony Ball and Margaret Cave.
Pope Leo XIV recalled 1966 Paul VI–Ramsey meeting and 2024 Anglican Primates gathering, urging unity.
Mullally gave Pope a 1910 copy of Newman’s “The Dream of Gerontius,” a retablo and honey.
Both leaders pledged ongoing ecumenical prayer for peace, justice and hope.

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