The Anglican Communion’s Deputy Secretary General and Bishop for Episcopal Ministry, Dr Jo Bailey Wells, attended a meeting with Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals earlier this week at the Vatican in Rome.

Two other women were also invited to address the meeting, Salesian Sister and professor at the Pontifical Auxilium, Linda Pocher, and Giuliva Di Beradino, a consecrated sister and teacher from the Diocese of Verona in Italy.

According to the Vatican Press Office, Pope Francis and the Cardinals are continuing to deepen “their reflection, begun last December, on the role of women in the church.” This meeting was part of a series of four seminars, during which they are seeking to listen to diverse voices and issues on the subject.

Bishop Jo said, “Many have suggested this was an historic moment. Certainly, I was honoured to be invited to describe the Anglican journey in regard to the ordination of women, both in the Church of England and across the Communion. There was deep engagement and some good discussion. And in the aftermath, I am just amazed at the interest from Catholics all around the world. I hope and pray it will serve to enable more women to explore and fulfil the calling God gives to each one of us.”