Archbishop Sarah Mullally to Meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome

Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, will meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome during a four-day visit starting Saturday. This visit is significant as it marks the first audience between a Church of England leader and the Pope in 60 years, since Archbishop Michael Ramsey met Pope Paul VI in 1966.

Mullally, who was enthroned last month, is the first woman to lead the Anglican Communion, which comprises 85 million members worldwide. Her visit comes amid ongoing discussions about women's roles in the church, particularly as the Catholic Church continues to reject female priests.

Mullally's meeting with Pope Leo XIV is seen as an opportunity to build relationships and address shared challenges, including social issues like immigration and poverty. The visit also coincides with King Charles III's recent ascension as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, highlighting the evolving dynamics within both the Anglican and Catholic communities.