April 27 (UPI) -- The archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, met and prayed with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Monday, a historic meeting that is the latest step in the Catholic Church and the Church of England improving their relationship.
The visit follows one in October by King Charles III, which was the first time in 500 years that that the head of the Church of England had prayed with a pope.
Mullally and the pope had a private meeting and then each gave an address, in addition to exchanging gifts, before they prayed together during a service in the Chapel of Urban VIII, the archbishop's office said in a press release.
"It is a joy and a privilege to be received by you, together with this delegation from Lambeth Palace," Mullally said in her address to Pope Leo.
"Last month, I journeyed to my installation in Canterbury as a pilgrim, walking in the footsteps of those disciples who came before me," she said. "I have come to Rome as a pilgrim, continuing my journey that began in Canterbury."
