New Anglican leader to skip pope’s inauguration

LONDON, United Kingdom – The new leader of the world’s Anglicans, Justin Welby, will miss the inauguration of Pope Francis next week as he will be on a “pilgrimage of prayer,” his residence announced on Saturday, March 16.

Welby, who became Archbishop of Canterbury last month, will be represented at Tuesday’s inauguration mass at the Vatican by Britain’s Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.

“Dr Sentamu will travel to Rome on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s behalf on Monday (March18) in time for the celebrations the following day,” Lambeth Palace said.

Welby, leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans, will meanwhile be continuing a “journey in prayer” which he started last Thursday, March 14.

The tour encompasses five cities and six cathedrals in his province of Canterbury, which covers southern England.

On Saturday the journey took Welby to London, where he stopped to pray at various locations including St Paul’s Cathedral.

A statement on his website said anyone was welcome to join the journey.

“Gather in the morning, pray for the whole day, or drop in whenever you have time,” it said.

Welby’s own official enthronement ceremony takes place next Thursday, March 21, at Canterbury Cathedral.

Cardinal Kurt Koch will represent the new pope at Welby’s enthronement.

Welby, a former oil executive, takes over as Archbishop of Canterbury from Rowan Williams, who led the Anglicans for the last decade. – Rappler.com