#Vatican – The Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally has arrived in Rome for a four-day pilgrimage from April 25-28th, 2026. This visit is her first international trip since her installation as the 106th archbishop of Canterbury of the Church of England.
The main purpose of the event will involve a private meeting between Pope Leo XIV and the archbishop on Monday, April 27th, followed by addresses from both. They will then pray together at midday in the Chapel of Urban VIII in the Apostolic Palace.
The visit continues a tradition of the Archbishop of Canterbury visiting Rome since the 1960s, aimed at improving relations after centuries of division following the Reformation. Pope Leo XIV sent a warm message for Mullally’s installation, and Catholic leaders (including cardinals) attended her enthronement.
Observers have noted the visit to be historic as the first such high-level meeting with a female Archbishop of Canterbury, given the Catholic Church’s adherence to male-only priesthood. This visit creates notable optics of ecumenical courtesy amid ongoing differences.
Mullally has described the visit as a pilgrimage of unity and shared mission, noting that “our world needs the peace, justice and hope that Jesus Christ brings, and I give thanks that our churches can walk together.”
As of April 26, 2026, the visit is underway, with positive coverage focusing on its role in sustaining dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. After celebrating Sunday worship with Anglican faithful in Rome, the archbishop prayed at the Papal Basilica and Cathedral of St John Lateran and the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.
Additionally, Mullally was welcomed at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls by Cardinal James Harvey. This site is significant as it marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Common Declaration between Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI. She had earlier been met at the Vatican by Archbishop Flavio Pace (Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity) and toured St. Peter’s.
The overall visit is described by both parties to emphasize prayer, ecumenical ties, and engagement with faithful from both churches in a more universal Church.
Image: Archbishop Mullally seen in Vatican Hill on April 25th, 2026.
