On 7 May 2025, the “Extra omnes” pronunciation was made in the Sistine Chapel by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Papal Ceremony; this marked the commencement of the Conclave for election of the 267^th bishop of Rome. Also on 7 May, the Church of England issued the Press Release 11,000 people take part in consultations for the next Archbishop of Canterbury; the Diocese of Canterbury later released a Statement on its Vacancy in See process, (“the Statement”), an integral part of the archbishop’s appointment procedure, which had begun in December 2024. Extracts from the diocesan Statement relevant to recent events[*] are reproduced below. Continue reading →