The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Pope Francis will meet later today, Friday at the Vatican.
This is their first meeting since beginning their respective ministries.
The Papal audience will involve a time of private conversation, followed by addresses and a shared service of mid-day prayer.
During the one-day visit, Archbishop Welby will also visit the Necropolis containing the burial place of St Peter underneath the Basilica, and at Archbishop Welby’s special request, pray at the tomb of Blessed John Paul II.
“This visit is an opportunity for the Archbishop and Pope Francis to review the present state of relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Communion. In particular, the interest shown by Archbishop Welby in global justice and the ethical regulation of financial markets so that they do not oppress men and women, is echoed in the constant teaching of the Holy Father,” announced a communique from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
Archbishop Welby is also expected to meet with Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and will “learn about the work of the Council.”
Also expected to accompany the Archbishop of Canterbury are his wife, Caroline, as well as former New Zealand Anglican Archbishop, David Moxon, Archbishop Welby’s official representative in Rome, and Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster.
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