Papal Visit

Source: Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Archbishop Rowan Williams and Pope Benedict XVI met privately in what the Vatican called "cordial discussions," as part of what has clearly been a difficult visit by the Anglican leader. The Vatican said in a brief statement that the two leaders "turned to the challenges facing all Christian communities" and the need "to promote forms of collaboration and shared witness in facing these challenges." Referring to the recent overture for traditional Anglicans upset over the ordination of women and gay bishops to become Catholics, the Vatican said the talks reiterated "the shared will to continue and to consolidate the ecumenical relationship between Catholics and Anglicans."