The 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.