Vatican welcomes naming of new Archbishop of Canterbury

The Vatican has welcomed the nomination of Anglican Bishop Justin Welby of Durham as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Cardinal Kurt Koch, the president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, wished Bishop Welby “the blessing of God for his person and for his challenge.” The cardinal acknowledged that the Anglican leader will face challenges with “the not-easy situation of the Anglican communion.” He voiced his hope that the new Archbishop of Canterbury would “continue and deepen the good relationship between the Anglican church and the Roman Catholic Church.”

 

Bishop Welby, who is married and has 5 children, has said that he has been deeply influenced by the Catholic tradition, and has a special affinity for Benedictine spirituality.

 

Bishop Welby, whose nomination was announced November 9, will replace Dr. Rowan Williams, who is stepping down in December after 10 years as leader of the worldwide Anglican communion.

Source: catholicculture.org

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Justin Welby, primate of the Church of England