Historic meeting between Pope Leo and first female Archbishop of Canterbury

Pope Leo and Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, met for the first time in a symbolic encounter at the Vatican on April 27, 2026.

The leaders of the Catholic Church and the Church of England exchanged gifts and prayed together, marking a significant moment in relations between the two denominations.

Archbishop Mullally was welcomed by Pope Leo into his formal office at the Vatican's apostolic palace.

The two then proceeded to a 17th-century chapel where they recited prayers in unison.

This meeting is notable as the two churches have been separated since the Church of England broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534.

The meeting included formal remarks in which Archbishop Mullally praised Pope Leo's recent outspoken stance against war and despotism, particularly during his tour of four African nations.

She thanked the pope for his message of hope and justice, which she said was needed in the world at this time.

Pope Leo acknowledged progress in drawing the two churches closer but noted that new challenges have arisen in recent decades.

He emphasized the importance of continuing to seek opportunities to proclaim their shared Christian faith together.

The Archbishop, installed in March 2026 as the first woman to lead the Church of England's 85 million Anglicans, has faced mixed reactions within the global Anglican Communion, especially from more conservative provinces in Africa and Asia.

Ahead of the meeting, Archbishop Mullally expressed humility and privilege at meeting the pope and highlighted the long-standing relationship and fellowship between the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches.

She affirmed the intention to build on this relationship.

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