Dame Sarah Mullally has been officially enthroned as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a historic moment in the history of the Church of England.
The former nurse and midwife assumed the role during a ceremonial service at Canterbury Cathedral attended by senior royals, government officials and religious leaders from across the world.
Her appointment makes her the spiritual leader of millions of Anglicans globally, breaking centuries of male-only leadership in the position.
Mullally’s journey to the top of the Anglican Church is considered unconventional, having started her career in healthcare before transitioning into ministry, where she rose through the ranks to hold senior positions prior to her elevation.
The enthronement ceremony combined long-standing traditions with modern elements, reflecting the global and diverse nature of the Anglican Communion.
Her emergence comes at a challenging time for the Church, which continues to face internal divisions and scrutiny over past issues, placing significant expectations on her leadership.
She has pledged to promote unity, inclusivity and transparency while guiding the Church through a period of transition and reform.
