his grace to visit his holiness

LONDON, MARCH 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, plans to visit Benedict XVI in Rome sometime later this year, says the Anglican Communion News Service.

The visit will mark the 40th anniversary of the Anglican Archbishop Michael Ramsey's meeting with Pope Paul VI in 1966 and the founding of the Anglican Center in Rome that same year.

Archbishop Williams met Pope John Paul II in the autumn of 2003. The Anglican leader also attended the funeral of John Paul II and the inaugural Mass of Benedict XVI. The Anglican and the new Pope met briefly the following day.

Archbishop Williams said: "Forty years ago today Archbishop Ramsey met Pope Paul VI in what was a historic and groundbreaking visit to the Vatican. They exchanged fraternal greetings and gave thanks to God for the 'new atmosphere of fellowship' between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. …

"My visit this autumn is an opportunity to continue that rich tradition of visits between Canterbury and Rome, to reflect on the achievements of the last 40 years and on the future of those relations."

Further details of the visit will be announced later.

From Zenit. I think it is amusing that the article refers to ++Williams as "The Anglican." Meanwhile, here is what Lord Carey has had to say:

"It is true that we are living in an ecumenical winter. It has got even icier since the American church's decision to consecrate Gene Robinson which goes completely against the Catholic position and the historic position of the Anglican Communion as well. Rowan's personal contact and commitment is going to be the key thing. All we can hope for is that he keeps the fire burning."

Read more here.