Anglican Archbishop: Ban on women's priesthood in RCC is an injustice

Archbishop Sarah Mullally. Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images

UPDATED. The Vatican has refuted the claims cited in the publication. The latest information is available at the link.

On April 30, 2026, in Rome, Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, after meeting with Pope Leo XIV, stated that the ban on the ordination of women in the Catholic Church can be considered "an injustice," reports LifeSiteNews.

In an interview given shortly after a private audience with the pontiff, Mullally evasively answered the question of whether she had discussed the topic of women's priesthood with the pontiff. "First and foremost, I am a pastor and a spiritual leader. But of course, in sometimes speaking as a spiritual leader and a pastor and a Christian, there are things that we will say that may be perceived as political – but I am not a politician," she said.

Mullally then hinted that she sees the ban on female ordinations as an “injustice,” stating that one of her tasks is “at times speaking out where there is injustice, but doing it in a way that is certainly pastoral and spiritually founded.”

She also emphasized that she strives to "instill hope and pray for those who are in difficult situations," adding that it is important for her to speak "the full truth" in the context of Christian ministry.

Mullally's visit also sparked discussion in connection with a photograph that circulated online, showing her "blessing" the tomb of the Apostle Peter. In the image, one of the Catholic hierarchs bows his head, as if receiving a blessing.

After their meeting, the Pope said, "This ecumenical journey has been complex" and, "While much progress has been made on some historically divisive issues, new problems have arisen in recent decades, rendering the pathway to full communion more difficult to discern."

For her part, the archbishop called the meeting "a privilege and humbling," emphasizing that it was filled with "great warmth and a great encouragement and of hope." According to her, both sides understand the importance of continuing the path "to deepen our friendship, to pray together, and to seek that unity to which we are called."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that King Charles III declared the role of Christian faith as a pillar of society and called for support of Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.

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