Dame Sarah Mullally has praised Pope Leo for his strong stance against global injustice following a historic meeting at the Vatican.
A Historic Meeting at the Vatican
Dame Sarah Mullally, the first woman to lead the Church of England, described the meeting as warm and meaningful, and extended an invitation for the Pope to visit the United Kingdom, saying he would receive a “warm welcome.”
During her remarks after the private audience, she highlighted the shared values between the two faith leaders.
"We are united in prayer for justice and for peace in our world,” she said
Shared Message of Peace and Hope
The Archbishop praised Pope Leo for his recent public comments condemning global conflicts and the human cost of war.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo warned that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” and urged global leaders to pursue peace instead of conflict during a visit to Cameroon.
Dame Sarah said his message carried both urgency and hope.
"You have spoken powerfully about the many injustices in our world today, but you have spoken even more powerfully about hope,” she told him
Global Tensions Form Background to Talks
The meeting comes amid wider international tensions, including recent political exchanges involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously criticised Pope Leo’s stance on foreign policy and crime.
Pope Leo has also recently expressed concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly warnings linked to conflict in the Middle East, before a ceasefire was reached between the parties involved.
Despite political differences, the Pope has maintained that he will continue to “speak out loudly against war” and advocate for peace.
Strengthening Church Relations
Dame Sarah also noted the importance of growing unity between Christian leaders, referencing King Charles III’s recent engagement with the Pope.
She said the King had “valued his recent visit” after the two prayed together in October, a moment seen as historically significant for relations between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
Invitation to the United Kingdom
Closing her remarks, the Archbishop extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo to visit the UK.
"Please be assured of a warm welcome from the Church of England should you honour the United Kingdom with a visit,” she said
A Papal Journey Marked by Hope
Pope Leo, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, has recently returned from a multi-country visit to Africa, which the Archbishop described as “full of life and joy.”
The meeting in the Vatican further reinforced his ongoing global message centered on peace, justice, and hope in a divided world.
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