VATICAN CITY – In a historic meeting on Monday, Pope Leo and Archbishop Sarah Mullally, the newly appointed leader of the Church of England, gathered at the Vatican for a ceremonial exchange of gifts and a shared moment of prayer, symbolizing a bridge between the long-divided Catholic Church and the Anglican community.

Archbishop Mullally, marking a milestone as the first woman to lead the global Anglican community of 85 million, was received by Pope Leo, the first American to helm the Catholic Church with its 1.4 billion members, within the grand setting of the Vatican’s apostolic palace.

In a poignant gesture reflecting centuries of division since their split in 1534, the two leaders held a private discussion before uniting in a 17th-century chapel to offer prayers side by side.

During her official address, Mullally expressed gratitude to Pope Leo for his impactful and direct communication style, notably highlighted during his recent tour of Africa, where he openly criticized war and tyranny, drawing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“At this critical moment, the world needed such a message – thank you,” the Archbishop stated. “It was a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges we face, there is a universal desire for a life of abundance, and many are tirelessly striving toward this shared vision of the common good.”

Pope Leo acknowledged the steps forward in fostering closer ties between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, though he expressed concern over “new challenges” that have emerged in recent decades, without delving into specifics.

“We must not allow these continuing challenges to prevent us from using ​every possible opportunity to proclaim Christ to the world together,” said the pope.

MULLALY MARKS HISTORIC SHIFT FOR ANGLICANS

Mullally, visiting Rome this week, was installed as the ‌new ⁠Archbishop of Canterbury in March, in a historic shift that was met with mixed reactions from the global Anglican Communion, particularly among more conservative provinces in Africa and Asia.

Ahead of the meeting, Mullally told ITV News that she felt “very humbled, very privileged” to meet Leo.

“There is a long relationship and fellowship between the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church … we will continue to build on that ​relationship,” she said.

The Church of England broke ​away from the Catholic Church ⁠in 1534, sparked by Pope Clement VII’s decision to refuse King Henry VIII’s request for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

The two denominations were strongly opposed to each other for ​centuries, but have moved closer in recent decades.

Their teachings align on many major issues, though the ​Catholic Church does not ⁠ordain women and generally does not allow priests to marry.

Mullally promised in her remarks to the pope on Monday that she would remain united with him in prayer.

“We receive from one another gifts we cannot generate alone: depth in prayer, courage in witness, perseverance in suffering, ⁠and faithfulness ​in service,” she said.

King Charles III, the supreme governor of the Church ​of England, made a state visit to the Vatican in October.

He and Leo prayed together during that visit in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, in the first such joint worship ​including a pope and British monarch since Henry VIII’s reign.