Historic summit of Anglican and Catholic Bishops

Pope Francis and Justin Welby

Thirty-six Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops from 19 countries ranging from Pakistan to Ireland, Brazil to Papua New Guinea, are to meet with Pope Francis in Rome tomorrow.

The International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission gathered in Canterbury last weekend, to mark the growing ties between Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

At a Sung Eucharist in Canterbury on Sunday, the Catholic Archbishop-Elect of Regina, Canada, spoke of the increasing sense of a common faith and calling felt by Anglican and Catholic Bishops, as they realise - despite doctrinal differences. The Archbishop-Elect, Bishop Don Bolen said: ''We have come to realise we are bound by dear, dear affection.''

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby is to lead a service for the summit with Pope Francis tomorrow, during which the bishops will be commissioned to work together in pairs.

Source: ARCIC