Wednesday, September 21, 2016

New UK Ambassador to the Holy See presents her credentials to the pope

http://www.romereports.com/files/pages/img2016091918355757e013ed54991_2_h.jpg?d=16The new Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Holy See, Sally Axworthy, presented her credentials to Pope Francis. 

Sally Axworthy, who was accompanied by her husband, wore the traditional British diplomatic uniform to the meeting, including a bicorne hat and a sword, thus making her the first to dress in a female specially designed uniform.

Ambassador Axworthy has replaced Nigel Baker in office. She has a long career as a diplomat, having served in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and most recently, India. 

She will face important challenges in her new role, including inter-religious dialogue between the Catholic and Anglican Church. But more importantly, she represents a country which has recently voted for stricter immigration laws, whereas Pope Francis is possibly the most pro 'open-door policy' head of state in the world.