The recent scenes starring during Sarah Mullally’s visit to Rome, Primate of the Anglican Communion, have sparked a critical reaction from the theological sphere. Monsignor Nicola Bux, priest and theologian, has warned of a possible “confusion” among the faithful stemming from some gestures performed in the Vatican in the presence of the Anglican leader.
According to the portal Stilum Curiae, Bux has particularly questioned the coherence between these acts and Catholic doctrine on the priesthood and ecclesial authority.
The presence of the Anglican leader at various events—from her passage through the Clementine Chapel, near the tomb of St. Peter, to her participation in celebrations at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola—has been interpreted by some sectors as a sign of growing ecumenical closeness.
However, the images disseminated in recent days show Mullally performing gestures typical of spiritual authority, such as imparting blessings in the presence of the faithful and Catholic prelates, which has raised questions about their meaning in the context of Church doctrine.
One of the most commented moments took place in the Clementine Chapel, where, according to the published images, Monsignor Flavio Pace, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, made the sign of the cross as if receiving the blessing from the Anglican leader.
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