What's happened
Archbishop Sarah Mullally has publicly supported Pope Leo XIV's call for peace, condemning war and urging political leaders to pursue peaceful resolutions. Her statement follows recent exchanges between the pope and Donald Trump, with Mullally emphasizing the importance of prayer and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. Today’s date is Thu, 16 Apr 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The public support from Archbishop Mullally signals a clear stance within the Anglican community favoring peace and diplomacy. Her backing of Pope Leo XIV's call for peace underscores the ongoing religious and political divide over global conflicts. The pope's outspoken criticism of tyrants and manipulation of religion for political ends will likely increase pressure on international leaders to prioritize peaceful resolutions. Trump's criticism, although dismissed by the Vatican, highlights the ongoing clash between religious authority and political power. This situation will likely intensify diplomatic tensions, with religious leaders increasingly advocating for moral leadership in global conflicts. The next steps will involve more religious figures joining the call for peace, potentially influencing political negotiations and public opinion. The story underscores the role of faith leaders in shaping international discourse on conflict resolution and the importance of moral authority in geopolitics.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Mullally has expressed her solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the need for prayer and peaceful conflict resolution. The Independent highlights her recent statements condemning war and supporting the pope's call for peace, while AP News confirms her public backing and condemns violence. Contrasting opinions include Trump's dismissive remarks, calling the pope 'weak' and criticizing his influence on foreign policy, which the Vatican dismisses as political noise. The Guardian notes that many religious leaders are rallying behind the pope, viewing his stance as a moral imperative, whereas critics like Trump see it as interference in politics. This divergence illustrates the ongoing debate over the influence of religious authority in international affairs.
How we got here
The recent tensions stem from Pope Leo XIV's outspoken criticism of global conflicts and his call for peace during his tour in Africa. Mullally, who became head of the Church of England in January, has aligned herself with the pope's stance. The controversy escalated after Trump criticized the pope's comments, calling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy.' The pope has continued to advocate for peace, condemning those who manipulate religion for political gain, while Trump’s remarks have intensified diplomatic tensions.
Go deeper
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Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally, DBE is a British Anglican bishop, Lord Spiritual and former nurse. She has been Bishop of London since 8 March 2018.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.