Pope Francis and the head of the Anglican church, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, have met for the first time since both were installed in March.
The two church leaders held a private meeting Friday at the Vatican.
The pope made remarks to Welby in reference to gay marriage, saying he hoped the two can collaborate to promote the stability of families "built on marriage."
Pope Francis strongly opposed same-sex marriage in his native Argentina. Welby is against gay marriage but supports the ordination of female bishops -- two issues that have divided the Anglican church.
Relations between the Catholic and Anglican churches have long been strained, especially over Anglican ordination of women as priests. Friday's meeting at the Vatican was billed as an opportunity to reduce tensions.
###
The two church leaders held a private meeting Friday at the Vatican.
The pope made remarks to Welby in reference to gay marriage, saying he hoped the two can collaborate to promote the stability of families "built on marriage."
Pope Francis strongly opposed same-sex marriage in his native Argentina. Welby is against gay marriage but supports the ordination of female bishops -- two issues that have divided the Anglican church.
Relations between the Catholic and Anglican churches have long been strained, especially over Anglican ordination of women as priests. Friday's meeting at the Vatican was billed as an opportunity to reduce tensions.
###