Sarah Mullally, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, suggested that the Catholic Church’s ban on women’s ordination may constitute an “injustice” following a meeting in Rome with Pope Leo XIV on April 27, 2026, making the remarks in comments given at the Venerable English College shortly after their audience.

Speaking after the encounter at the Venerable English College, where English Catholic seminarians are trained, Mullally declined to confirm whether women’s ordination had been explicitly discussed with the Pope, instead offering a general reflection on her role as a pastor and spiritual leader. She said that while she does not see herself as a political figure, part of her vocation involves “at times speaking out where there is injustice”, adding that such interventions must remain pastoral and spiritually grounded.

Her remarks come amid ongoing ecumenical engagement between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, where the question of women’s ordination remains a key point of division. The Catholic Church has consistently maintained that it does not have the authority to ordain women to the priesthood, a position reaffirmed by successive pontiffs.

The meeting itself was described as cordial. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the complexities of ecumenical dialogue, noting that while progress has been made on historically divisive issues, new challenges have arisen in recent decades. Addressing Mullally directly, he expressed hope for continued cooperation and prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide her in her ministry.

Mullally characterised the meeting as “a privilege” marked by “great warmth” and “encouragement”, emphasising the importance of continued dialogue, shared prayer and a commitment to deepening unity between the two Churches. She said the encounter represented a significant moment in an ongoing effort to strengthen relations despite enduring theological differences.

The visit drew additional attention after images circulated online appearing to show Mullally offering a blessing near the tomb of St Peter, with a senior Vatican official present, prompting discussion given the Catholic Church’s teaching on sacramental authority and ordained ministry.

While no formal outcomes were announced, the exchange highlights both the progress and the continuing tensions in Catholic-Anglican relations, particularly on questions of ministry, authority and the role of women in Church leadership.