Pope Leo XIV and new Archbishop of Canterbury ​Sarah Mullally met for the first time on Monday, in a symbolic encounter at the Vatican in which ‌the leaders of the long-separated Catholic Church and Church of England exchanged gifts and prayed together.

Dame Sarah Mullally: “It was an honour to meet and pray with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Pontifex  his morning. I’m deeply grateful for his gracious welcome at the Apostolic Palace.

“In the years to come, I will remain united with the Pope in prayer – for peace in our world, for justice, and for every person to discover the fullness of life that God offers.

“The ecumenical pilgrimage is always one we make together, as a fellowship of Christians seeking the unity for which Christ prayed. Your Holiness, as your sister in Christ, in a spirit of prayer, friendship, and hope, I commend our shared journey into the hands of God.”