In a historic ceremony in London, Sarah Mulally was appointed the first woman to head the Church of England.

London, England – Sarah Mulally was officially appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest religious office in the Church of England, on Wednesday. The traditional ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The cathedral, temporarily converted into a court of law, hosted the “Confirmation of Election,” a canonical rite with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. This ceremony marks the moment when the newly elected archbishop officially assumes his duties. With the oath of office, Mulally became the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

In addition to her new role, the 63-year-old Mulally also serves as the spiritual leader of approximately 85 million Anglicans in 165 countries worldwide, within the Anglican Communion. She took the oath of allegiance before a number of senior bishops representing the Royal Commissioners, appointed by King Charles III, who has held the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England since its separation from the Catholic Church in the 16th century.

In a statement issued by her office, Mulally said the world is going through “times of division and uncertainty.” She affirmed her commitment to what she called “the ministry of hospitality,” creating spaces for dialogue and encounter between different people. She also pledged to lead a Church that listens to the voices of those previously ignored, especially victims of abuse within the institution.

The ceremony was a wide-ranging event reflecting the diversity of the Church of England, with bishops, clergy, schoolchildren, and choirs in attendance. Representatives from across the Anglican Communion were also present, and the event included musical performances and readings in multiple languages.

Mulally is scheduled to be formally installed in her seat at Canterbury Cathedral next March. She will deliver her first sermon, marking the start of her public duties, amid anticipation and controversy within some conservative circles that oppose the ordination of women.