VATICAN CIY, Vatican City, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams held a "cordial" meeting Saturday, their first since the Vatican targeted disaffected Anglicans.
The Vatican released a statement saying the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England and Anglican Communion discussed areas of common work and of difference. The two engaged in
"cordial discussions," the statement said.
A recent Vatican initiative would allow congregations and even dioceses to become Catholic while keeping some of the Anglican liturgy and traditions. On Friday, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the senior Catholic prelate in England, warned Anglicans should only make the move if they are prepared to accept papal authority and not just because of disagreements on the ordination of gay and women clergy.
The Vatican said the pope and Williams discussed "recent events" between their two churches and agreed to continue ecumenical discussions.
Sources in Rome told The Daily Telegraph the Vatican's respect for Williams has grown during his trip.
"He hasn't flinched from bringing up difficult subjects, and has been respectful without being deferential," the source said.
