Pope congratulates new Anglican head

The Pope today congratulated the Archbishop-elect of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and expressed hope for closer relations between Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

‘‘I am pleased to extend to you my congratulations and to assure you of my prayers,’’ the Pope, who is now on a trip to Canada, said in a telegram sent to Dr Williams.

‘‘I have had the opportunity to know and work closely with your predecessors ... in the shared task of promoting understanding between the Anglican communion and the Catholic Church,’’ the pontiff said.

‘‘I am confident that, with God’s help, we can make progress along the path toward unity.’’

John Paul has made improving relations with non-Catholics a trademark of his nearly 24 year papacy. He held talks with Archbishop George Carey a number of times in the past decade - the last meeting was in June - with both leaders hailing progress in Anglican-Roman Catholic relations.