On April 18, an unexpected religious service took place at Rome’s Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, involving about 50 Anglican clergymen.
The Vatican later expressed regret over the incident, citing a communication breakdown as the cause.
The clergymen were accompanied by Bishop Jonathan Baker of the Church of England. As the Catholic Church does not recognize Anglican holy orders as valid, they are not permitted to celebrate Mass.
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is not only the oldest basilica in Rome but also the official seat of the pope.
In a statement released on Thursday, Bishop Guerino Di Tora, the vicar of the archpriest of the Lateran Basilica, acknowledged the incident as a “failure in communication” and expressed deep regret.
Di Tora’s statement revealed that the group of Anglican priests celebrated the service at the high altar of Rome’s cathedral, contravening canonical norms.
Although Pope Francis met with Bishop Baker and the other clergymen on Wednesday morning, the reasons for their authorization to conduct the service at the archbasilica remain unclear.
