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Church of England Leader Praises Pope Leo Amid Global Tensions

Dame Sarah Mullally aligns with the Vatican on peace initiatives despite ongoing criticism of the Pope's foreign policy record.

Foreign PolicyPublished April 27, 2026 at 11:19 AM
Pope Leo XIV, a smiling white man with grey hair, wearing a red robe and a white skull cap, shakes the hand of Dame Sarah Mullally. She is wearing white, red and black religious robes with a large cross around her neck and a clerical collar. Her hair is blond and short, with a fringe and she is smiling.

In a historic meeting at the Vatican, Dame Sarah Mullally, the first woman to lead the Church of England, met with Pope Leo to discuss their shared focus on global justice and peace. During the visit, Mullally praised the Pope for his recent rhetoric against war and injustice, specifically referencing his comments regarding the cost of conflict.

This diplomatic engagement comes on the heels of sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who has previously labeled the Pope as weak on crime and ineffective in foreign policy. The tension stems from the Pope’s public disagreement with the Trump administration’s firm stance on Iran and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these geopolitical rifts, Mullally extended an invitation for the Pope to visit the United Kingdom, framing their meeting as a symbolic moment of unity.

The Archbishop emphasized that their discussion was rooted in a shared vision for the common good, even as the Vatican continues to position itself against the assertive foreign policy strategies favored by the current American administration.

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