Pope Leo received Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally in audience on April 27, and encouraged deeper unity and common witness between Catholics and Anglicans.
The Pope also joined her in prayer at the Urban VIII Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican News reported.
Welcoming her during the Easter season, Pope Leo recalled the historic meeting between Pope St. Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey 60 years ago, highlighting its significance for ecumenical relations. He also expressed appreciation for the work of the Anglican Centre in Rome and greeted its director, Bishop Anthony Ball, who represents the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Holy See.
Sharing his Easter message of peace, the pope described the peace of the Risen Christ as “unarmed,” noting that Jesus responded to violence without aggression and calls Christians to do the same, Vatican News reported.
The pope acknowledged decades of theological dialogue between Catholics and Anglicans aimed at restoring full communion in faith and sacramental life. While describing the journey as complex, he said it has borne fruit, even as challenges remain.
“Nevertheless, we must not allow these continuing challenges to prevent us from using every possible opportunity to proclaim Christ to the world together,” he said, according to Vatican News.
Recalling the words of Pope Francis in May 2024, Pope Leo said it would be a scandal if divisions prevented Christians from fulfilling their shared mission to make Christ known.
Concluding the meeting, the pope thanked Archbishop Mullally for her visit and expressed hope that Catholics and Anglicans will continue to journey together in friendship and dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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