Head of Anglican Communion recounts conversion to Christianity, praises Pope Francis

July 18, 2013

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the new Archbishop of Canterbury recounted his conversion to Christianity and praised Pope Francis.

“I think he is extraordinary,” said Archbishop Justin Welby. “Unpredictable. He’s not John XXIII or anyone else. He’s Francis. He has deep humility and a consciousness of the complexity of things. He has Ignatian and Franciscan spirituality.”

The Telegraph reported:

As well as speaking in tongues (a Protestant practice), [Archbishop Welby] adores the sacrament of the eucharist (a Catholic one). He also says the morning and evening office, Book of Common Prayer version, in the chapel of the palace, every day … For his own spiritual discipline, Justin Welby uses Catholic models – the contemplation and stability of Benedictines, and the rigorous self-examination of St Ignatius. And, in a choice that could not possibly have been made since the 16th century – until now – the Archbishop’s spiritual director is Fr Nicolas Buttet, a Roman Catholic priest.

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop Justin Welby: 'I was embarrassed. It was like getting measles' (The Telegraph)