The head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury, commended Pope Leo for his stance against injustice, potentially irking US President Donald Trump. During her meeting with Pope Leo at the Apostolic Palace, Dame Sarah Mullally extended a warm invitation for the pontiff to visit the UK, emphasizing their joint prayers for justice and global peace.
Pope Leo recently criticized the high costs of warfare during his visit to Cameroon, condemning the actions of a few tyrants causing havoc in the world. This led to a heated exchange with President Trump, who accused the Pope of weakness in addressing crime and foreign policy matters. Dame Sarah lauded the Pope for his strong advocacy against injustices and his message of hope for a better world.
Pope Leo had expressed concerns over Trump’s threats regarding Iran, warning of dire consequences if peace negotiations failed. The Pope pledged to continue speaking out against war and advocating for peace. Dame Sarah conveyed King Charles III’s appreciation for the Pope’s recent visit, highlighting their joint prayers and the significance of their meeting.
The historic moment of a British monarch praying with the Catholic Church head marked a significant step in ecumenical relations. Pope Leo urged Anglicans and Catholics to collaborate in bridging their differences, emphasizing the importance of unity in spreading Christ’s message. Despite Dame Sarah’s groundbreaking role as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the Catholic Church’s restrictions on female priesthood remain unchanged.
Reflecting on the ecumenical journey between Anglicans and Catholics, Pope Leo acknowledged the complexities and challenges in achieving full communion. He stressed the pressing need for Christians to work towards overcoming divisions and embodying the peace of Christ. The Pope highlighted the detrimental impact of internal rifts on the effectiveness of the Christian community in promoting peace and unity.
