Sarah Mullally

Sarah Mullally, 63, a former nurse, has been formally installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a historic moment as the first woman to lead the Church of England in its nearly 1400-year history. This makes her the spiritual leader of the 85 million-strong Anglican community. Her enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25, 2026, was attended by over 2,000 guests, including political and royal figures. Mullally's appointment is particularly significant as it follows an abuse scandal that led to her predecessor's departure. In her first sermon, she addressed the pain experienced by victims and survivors of abuse within the Church. She has also voiced support for peace, echoing Pope Leo XIV's calls amid international conflicts. Her leadership represents a turning point for the Church of England and gender equality within religious institutions.