London on its way

His Grace Justin Welby, Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury will be visiting Pope Francis this Friday at the Vatican. Archbishop Welby was enthroned shortly after the Holy Father’s election to the papacy. This will be their first meeting since beginning their respective ministries.

In a communique released yesterday by the Holy See Press Office, the Archbishop of Canterbury will not only visit the tomb of St. Peter, but by special request, will also pray in front of the tomb of Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Archbishop Welby is also expected to meet with Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and will learn about the work of the Council.  The Papal audience will comprise a time of private conversation, followed by addresses and a service of mid-day prayer, the communique stated.

Also expected to accompany the Archbishop of Canterbury are his wife, Caroline, as well as Archbishop David Moxon, his official representative in Rome, and Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster.