Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury (since Jan 2026)
The Church of England has issued a formal apology for historical adoption practices in mother‑and‑baby homes between 1949 and 1976. Archbishop Sarah Mullally has described the pain and stigma faced by survivors as lifelong, with tens of thousands affected in England and Wales. The church says it is listening, lamenting, and learning, and notes records were incomplete. Government and church-linked homes are linked to tens of thousands of adoptions.
Dame Sarah Mullally, the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury, is undertaking a six-day pilgrimage along the historic Becket Camino route from London to Canterbury. The walk, which marks her upcoming installation, follows the path of Thomas Becket and includes stops at key religious sites. This is the first modern pilgrimage of its kind for an Archbishop before enthronement.
On March 25, 2026, Sarah Mullally was formally installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral, becoming the first woman to hold the role. The ceremony was attended by Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and international religious leaders. Mullally prayed for peace in conflict zones and acknowledged the Church's past safeguarding failures. Her appointment has sparked divisions within the Anglican Communion, especially with conservative groups opposing her leadership.
Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken in his call for peace during his African tour, despite criticism from Donald Trump. The pope remains committed to condemning war and promoting dialogue, while Trump has branded him weak on foreign policy and crime. The visit highlights tensions between the Vatican and US leadership.
Pope Leo XIV has been speaking out against war, injustice, and violence during his African tour, emphasizing hope and peace. He has criticized the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and reaffirmed his commitment to Christian unity, despite tensions with political leaders including President Trump.