Archbishop of Canterbury to attend Pope's funeral
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, has accepted an official invitation to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome on Friday. He will be the first serving Archbishop of Canterbury to attend a Pope's funeral. An invitation was received through the Papal Nuncio; Archbishop Rowan said he was 'pleased and honoured' to accept. The Archbishop has confirmed that he will be wearing the ring presented to his predecessor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, by Pope Paul VI. He will travel to Rome on Thursday and will be accompanied by the Revd Andrew Norman, Archbishop's Secretary for International and Ecumenical Affairs and by Mr Jeremy Harris, Archbishop's Secretary for Public Affairs. Dr Williams will be staying at the English College. He returns to the UK on Friday evening.