What’s the difference between Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope? Why has it taken so long to have a female Archbishop of Canterbury?

It’s a really good comparison—because on the surface, both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope look like global Christian leaders. But the way their roles actually work is quite different.

The Pope is leader of the Catholic Church with real governing authority—over doctrine, discipline, and leadership. When he teaches officially on certain matters, it carries binding weight for Catholics worldwide. The Archbishop of Canterbury on the other hand is not a global ruler as such. Within the Church of England, they are a senior leader. But across the worldwide Anglican Communion, they are “first among equals.” Which means they practice relationship and speak with influence but not control. They can’t tell other Anglican churches what to do.

Where the Catholic church has a clear hierarchy, with the Pope at the top and the Anglican Communion is more like a network or family that agrees to remain in relationship. They share history, worship patterns, and relationships—but not a single central authority.

Where the Pope can make decisions that apply across the whole Church—appoint bishops, define teachings, set direction, the Archbishop of Canterbury mostly gathers, hosts, and guides with the appointment of bishops being a diocesan responsibility. The Archbishop of Canterbury convenes global meetings, fosters unity, and speaks into issues—but they rely on relationship and persuasion, not command.

Why has it taken so long to have a female Archbishop of Canterbury?

Women were only ordained priests in the Church of England from 1994 and could only become bishops from 2014.

Because the Archbishop of Canterbury must be a bishop, a woman could not realistically hold the role until very recently.

Sarah Mullally’s appointment is therefore historically significant: it marks the first time in the office’s roughly 1,400-year history that a woman has held it.