The Archbishop of Canterbury drew attention from President Donald Trump by commending Pope Leo for his stance against injustice. Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female leader of the Church of England, met with Pope Leo at the Apostolic Palace and conveyed that he would be warmly welcomed in the UK. Following their private conversation, she emphasized their shared prayers for justice and global peace.
Pope Leo recently criticized the devastating impact of war during his visit to Cameroon, condemning the actions of a few tyrants. This drew criticism from President Trump, who accused the Pope of weakness on crime and foreign policy. Dame Sarah praised the Pope’s vocal stance against injustices and his message of hope.
Pope Leo expressed concerns about Trump’s threats regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing his commitment to denounce war and advocate for peace. Dame Sarah highlighted the Pope’s message of hope for a better world and mentioned King Charles III’s appreciation for their joint prayer session.
The historic prayer session marked the first time a British monarch had prayed publicly with the Catholic Church head since the Reformation. Dame Sarah extended a warm invitation for the Pope to visit the United Kingdom. Pope Leo, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, recently returned from an uplifting trip to Africa.
While Dame Sarah made history as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the Catholic Church still prohibits women from priesthood. Pope Leo urged Anglicans and Catholics to bridge their differences, acknowledging the complexities of their ecumenical journey. He stressed the importance of unity among Christians to effectively promote peace in a troubled world.
The Pope emphasized the need to overcome differences and work towards peace, highlighting the crucial role of Christians in spreading Christ’s peace.