Pope assures Archbishop of Canterbury of dialogue 'in truth and love‘
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to Sarah Mullally on her installation as Archbishop of Canterbury, assuring her of prayers and invoking grace, mercy, and peace. The installation service, or enthronement, occurred in Canterbury Cathedral on March 25th, attended by about 2,000 guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Pope acknowledged the significant responsibilities of the Archbishop's office across the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. The message noted that the new Archbishop begins her ministry during a challenging period for the Anglican family. The Pope expressed hope that the Archbishop would be strengthened with wisdom and guided by the Holy Spirit, drawing inspiration from Mary, the Mother of God.
6 months ago
Sarah Mullally became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman in the role on March 25, 2026, at Canterbury Cathedral.1 3 4
Formerly Bishop of London, she was appointed in October 2025 with King Charles III's approval.1 2 5
The installation drew royals like the Prince and Princess of Wales.4
Pope Leo XIV sent a message dated March 20, 2026, expressing spiritual closeness and prayers for wisdom guided by the Holy Spirit.1 3 5
Delivered March 26 by Cardinal Kurt Koch at a common prayer service marking the 1966 Paul VI-Ramsey declaration's 60th anniversary.4 6
He highlighted her responsibilities amid a "challenging moment" for the Anglican Communion.1 2 3
Leo XIV recalled the 1966 meeting's "fraternal relations" and ARCIC's fruits for joint witness.1 2 4 5
He acknowledged difficulties, quoting Francis and Welby's 2016 declaration on new disagreements.1 3 5
Unity serves evangelization: "a scandal if divisions hinder proclaiming Christ."1 2
Mullally's election sparked GAFCON's break from Canterbury, representing ~80-85% of global Anglicans.1 2 5
GAFCON rejects her leadership, plans to reform Communion based on Scripture.5
This reflects tensions over women bishops and morality.5
Mullally thanked Leo XIV and anticipates their April 25-28 Rome meeting.6
She affirmed seeking "full visible unity."6
Recent Leo XIV-King Charles III prayer symbolized reconciliation.5
Examine the Catholic Church’s ecumenical stance toward women leaders
The Catholic Church maintains a firm doctrinal position that priestly ordination is reserved to men, viewing this as part of the infallible ordinary Magisterium, which poses a significant obstacle to full ecclesial communion with denominations like Anglicanism that ordain women. Ecumenically, this stance does not preclude dialogue or recognition of women's vital contributions in other leadership roles, such as in ministries, consecrated life, and social initiatives, while urging continued theological discernment and mutual respect. Recent papal messages affirm ongoing collaboration despite differences, emphasizing unity in mission over uniformity in orders.
The Church's teaching that it lacks authority to ordain women to the priesthood is rooted in apostolic tradition and reaffirmed as definitive. This position, articulated in documents like Inter Insigniores (1976), the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992), Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (1994), and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's 1995 response, holds that the Church has no power to confer sacred orders on women, as this conforms to "God’s plan for his Church" and touches the sacramental nature of the Eucharist and priesthood.
"The Church does not consider herself authorized to ordain women, not on account of socio-cultural reasons, but rather because of the 'unbroken tradition throughout the history of the Church, universal in the East and in the West', which must be 'considered to conform to God’s plan for his Church'."
This doctrine is not disciplinary but doctrinal, requiring definitive assent, and bishops are called to uphold it pastorally, explaining that it does not discriminate against women but reflects Christ's design. In ecumenical contexts, this clarity is essential for authentic dialogue, as ambiguity would hinder full communion.
The ordination of women, particularly to the priesthood and episcopate in Anglican provinces, is identified as a major barrier to unity. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and others appealed against it, noting its impact on ecumenical relations and the shared understanding of ministry. For instance, it prevents Eucharistic sharing and full communion in the episcopal office, as the episcopate is a ministry of unity.
"The obstacle to reconciliation caused by the ordination of women as priests and bishops in some provinces of the Anglican Communion has also become increasingly evident, creating a new situation."
Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) dialogues, such as Authority in the Church (1976, 1981) and The Gift of Authority (1999), have advanced convergence on ministry but left women's ordination unresolved, with Catholic responses insisting it cannot be peripheral. Even as ARCIC III continues under themes like "Church as Communion," differences persist, yet dialogue is encouraged in truth and charity.
While rejecting sacramental ordination, the Church actively promotes women's dignity, charisms, and leadership in synodal, ministerial, and apostolic spheres. The 2024 Synod Final Document calls for fuller implementation of Canon Law opportunities for women, including leadership in parishes, curias, and theology, and keeps discernment on diaconal ministry open—without implying priestly ordination.
"There is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church: what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped."
Papal addresses urge solidarity with women leaders in education, healing, justice, and reconciliation, drawing from saints and historical figures. Initiatives like the Women's Interfaith Council and Scalabrini Centre empower displaced women through training, peacebuilding, and advocacy. Consecrated virgins in the Ordo virginum exercise co-responsibility across dioceses, with bishops fostering shared formation and communion services. Ecumenically, this fosters joint witness against secularism, even amid ordination divides.
Pope Leo XIV's 2026 message to Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, exemplifies the Church's stance: fraternal greetings amid challenges, invoking Mary and ARCIC's fruits, while acknowledging "new disagreements" like those under Pope Francis. It prioritizes common baptism, mission, and witness over divisions, echoing John Paul II's calls for repentance, prayer, and cooperation.
"I firmly believe that we need to continue to dialogue in truth and love, for it is only in truth and love that we come to know together the grace, mercy and peace of God."
This reflects a consistent approach: doctrinal fidelity without proselytism, promoting visible unity for evangelization.
In summary, the Catholic Church's ecumenical stance toward women leaders balances unwavering commitment to the male priesthood— a non-negotiable for unity—with enthusiastic support for women's charisms in diverse roles. Ongoing dialogues like ARCIC sustain hope, urging all to prioritize Christ's prayer for oneness amid differences.