The Archbishop of Canterbury faced potential backlash from Donald Trump for commending Pope Leo’s stance against injustice. Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female leader of the Church of England, engaged with Pope Leo at the Apostolic Palace and extended an invitation for a UK visit. She emphasized a shared commitment to justice and global peace during their private dialogue.
This interaction followed Pope Leo’s recent criticism of war costs during his visit to Cameroon, where he warned against the actions of “tyrants.” Trump reacted negatively, accusing the Pope of being weak on crime and foreign policy. Dame Sarah praised the Pope’s advocacy for justice and hope in today’s turbulent world.
Pope Leo expressed concerns over Trump’s threats regarding Iran, emphasizing the need to speak out against war and promote peace. Dame Sarah recalled King Charles III’s positive experience during his joint prayer with the Pope. This symbolic moment marked the first public prayer between a British monarch and the head of the Catholic Church since the Reformation.
Pope Leo, the first American-born Catholic Church leader, recently returned from a vibrant pilgrimage across Africa. He called for collaboration between Anglicans and Catholics to bridge differences, welcoming Dame Sarah. Despite being the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the Catholic Church still prohibits women from priesthood, contrasting with the Church of England’s more inclusive stance.
Referencing the historic 1966 ecumenical statement between Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, Pope Leo highlighted the ongoing complexities in their journey towards unity. He emphasized the importance of overcoming divisions to fulfill the common mission of spreading Christ’s message. Pope Leo stressed the urgency of unity among Christians to effectively promote peace amid a troubled world.
