Sarah Mullally, the primate of the Anglican Church, visited the Vatican last month, drawing significant attention from Christian communities worldwide. Welcomed by Pope Leo XIV, the meeting was hailed as an important step in ecumenical dialogue. Yet behind the smiles and shared prayers lies a more complex reality. What were the real stakes of this visit? And what can we expect for Christian unity?
It is worth noting that Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, has made Christian unity a priority of his pontificate. In his programmatic encyclical, he called for sincere and respectful dialogue between different denominations. Mullally's visit fits into this dynamic. But beyond official statements, what actually transpired?
A Facade of Dialogue?
Observers noted that the most sensitive issues, such as the ordination of women and the role of tradition in liturgy, were carefully avoided. When asked after the meeting, Mullally emphasized common ground, such as social commitment and prayer. But this approach, while courteous, risks masking the deep divisions that remain between the two churches.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3, NIV). This unity cannot be artificial; it must be grounded in truth and mutual recognition of differences. By avoiding contentious topics, we risk building a fragile, short-lived unity.
The Weight of Historical Divergences
Relations between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion have been marked by centuries of separation. Since the 16th-century schism, the two traditions have developed distinct theologies and practices. The ordination of women, accepted by Anglicans since the 1970s, remains a major sticking point for Catholics, who rely on an unbroken tradition reserving the priesthood for men.
Pope Leo XIV recently reaffirmed that "the question of women's ordination is not merely a matter of discipline but touches the very nature of the priesthood." For her part, Mullally defended the Anglican position, noting that "the Holy Spirit can guide the Church to new understandings." These positions, though respectful, show that the path to unity is still long.
Common Prayer: A Sign of Hope or an Illusion?
One of the highlights of the visit was a joint prayer in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel. The two leaders prayed side by side, a gesture widely covered by the media. But can this prayer, beautiful as it may seem, truly be a source of unity?
Jesus himself prayed for the unity of his disciples: "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you" (John 17:21, NIV). This prayer is an ideal to strive for, but it cannot be achieved through symbolic gestures alone. As Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas points out, Christian unity is an Eucharistic reality: it is lived in full communion around the same table. Yet Catholics and Anglicans do not yet share the same Eucharist.
Praying together is an important step, but it must not obscure the fact that true unity requires deep theological and pastoral work. Without this, common prayer risks becoming a "sterile incantation," as some commentators have warned.
What Future for Ecumenical Dialogue?
Despite these reservations, the importance of this visit should not be underestimated. It shows that both churches are willing to meet and engage in dialogue. Pope Leo XIV, with his openness, and Sarah Mullally, with her determination, have taken a step forward. But the road to visible unity remains long and fraught with obstacles. As Christians, we are called to pray for unity, but also to work for it with patience and humility. True unity cannot be decreed; it is built day by day, in truth and love.
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