Pope Leo XIV has delivered a message to Archbishop Sarah Mullally to commemorate her installation, reflecting on the advancements and obstacles in Catholic–Anglican relations. The Archbishop’s installation ceremony was held on March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV conveyed a message to Sarah Mullally on her assumption of the role as Archbishop of Canterbury, offering his prayers and invoking “grace, mercy, and peace… in truth and love.”
The installation, referred to historically as an enthronement, occurred on March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral, attended by approximately 2,000 guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, marking the official commencement of Dame Sarah’s public ministry.
In his message, the Pope acknowledges the significant responsibilities associated with her role not only within the Diocese of Canterbury but also throughout the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. He highlights that she begins her ministry “at a challenging moment in the history of the Anglican family,” praying for her to be filled with wisdom and Holy Spirit guidance while drawing inspiration from Mary, the Mother of God.
Historical Recollection
The message also reminisces about the landmark meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey in 1966, during which Catholics and Anglicans committed to “a new stage in the development of fraternal relations, based upon Christian charity.” The Pope emphasizes that this commitment has yielded positive results over the last sixty years.
The Pope mentions the work of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), which was established after that meeting, acknowledging its role in fostering greater mutual understanding and enhancing a more effective shared witness, especially against the backdrop of current global challenges.
Ecumenical Journey
However, he also recognizes the difficulties faced on the ecumenical path, recalling the 2016 Joint Declaration by Pope Francis and Justin Welby, which highlighted that “new circumstances have presented new disagreements.” He asserts that these differences do not obstruct Christians from recognizing each other as siblings in Christ through their shared baptism.
Call for Unity
Pope Leo XIV expresses his belief that dialogue must continue “in truth and love,” enabling Christians to collectively experience and share the grace, mercy, and peace of God with the world. He underscores that the unity sought among Christians is directed towards proclaiming Christ, referencing Jesus’s prayer “that the world may believe.”
The witness of a reconciled and united Christian community, he asserts, is crucial for clearly proclaiming the Gospel.
Service in Canterbury
The Pope’s message was shared on March 26 during a common prayer service at Canterbury Cathedral led by Archbishop Mullally alongside Cardinal Kurt Koch, the Pope’s envoy and Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
This liturgy commemorated the 60th anniversary of the 1966 meeting. The event featured the same kneeler used during the 1982 meeting between Pope John Paul II and Archbishop Robert Runcie. The 2026 Catholic delegation comprised various dignitaries, including Archbishop Flavio Pace, and representatives from the Catholic Church in the UK.
