Golden Jubilee marked with events celebrating Anglican-Roman Catholic relations.

The Anglican Centre in Rome celebrates its 50th anniversary with two days of events including a private meeting between the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Pope Francis on 6 October.

The highlight of the celebrations will be a deeply symbolic service at the church of S. Gregorio al Celio, jointly led by Archbishop Welby and Pope Francis, at 18.00 on 5 October. For the first time, the Sistine Chapel Choir will sing together with the choir of Canterbury Cathedral, while the service also involves the commissioning of 19 pairs of Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops from around the world to work together in joint mission.

Another celebratory event is the formal presentation of a book marking the 20 years of work on reconciling the two churches by the second Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC II).

The Anglican Centre opened in 1966 with the aim of promoting Christian unity, following the historic meeting in Rome between Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI. It is located on the second floor of the south wing of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj and its director is Archbishop David Moxon, who is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Personal Representative to the Holy See.

For full event details see the Anglican Centre website, while to read a feature article on the Anglican Centre and its history pick up a copy of the latest edition of Wanted in Rome, available on newsstands around the city from 5 October.