Pope, Anglican leader pledge friendship while recognizing differences

Published: 2006-11-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The "journey of friendship" between Roman Catholics and Anglicans will continue even though the path toward full unity seems to be blocked, said Pope Benedict XVI and Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury. The two leaders spent 25 minutes speaking privately Nov. 23 at the Vatican before giving speeches that candidly recognized the divisions within the Anglican Communion and between Roman Catholics and Anglicans over the ordination of women and over homosexuality. After their private meeting, the pope and the Anglican leader processed side by side into the Vatican's Redemptoris Mater Chapel for midday prayer before eating lunch together. Archbishop Williams' visit marked the 40th anniversary of the visit made by a predecessor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, to Pope Paul VI. The 1966 meeting marked the launch of the official Anglican-Roman Catholic theological dialogue.

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