wfn.org | ACNS3603 Archbishop of Canterbury visits Rome

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3603     |     EUROPE     |     3 OCTOBER 2003 

Archbishop of Canterbury visits Rome

by Matthew Davies

In an effort to forge closer links with the Roman Catholic Church, the
Most Revd Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and president of the
Anglican Communion, began a three-day visit to Rome yesterday, which
will include a meeting with Pope John Paul II on October 4.

Archbishop Rowan is being accompanied by his wife, Mrs Jane Williams,
and representatives of the Anglican Communion, including Canon James M
Rosenthal and the Revd Canon Gregory Cameron. Also present as a member
of the Archbishop's official party is the Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell,
Bishop of the Diocese in Europe, who is responsible for overseeing the
Anglican work in Rome.

During his visit the Archbishop will have talks with Cardinal Kasper and
other members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity as
well as discussions with other Catholic representatives.

On Saturday morning, the Archbishop will visit the tomb of St Peter in
the Vatican for a private time of prayer prior to his meeting with the
Holy Father at 11am. During the afternoon he will attend Evensong at
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, near the Pantheon, and a ceremony for the
official installation of the new director of the Anglican Centre in
Rome.

Archbishop Williams will preside at a Eucharist at All Saints Anglican
Church on Sunday morning, before returning to London.

This is Archbishop Williams' first visit to Pope John Paul II since he
was enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in February.

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