Chichester welcomes the Archbishop of Canterbury

The Most Rev Justin Welby will miss the inauguration of Pope Francis in Rome to join a “journey in prayer” in the city.

It is the final leg of his Journey in Prayer before he is enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral.

Since Thursday (March 14), Justin Welby has been visiting cities and cathedrals around the country.

The Dean of Chichester, Nicholas Frayling, said: “People come in their hundreds to say their prayers here every day of the year. I hope Archbishop Justin’s visit will bring many more on Tuesday to experience the different methods of prayer that will be on offer, or perhaps just to drop in out of curiosity. It will be a fascinating and very moving day.”

The Bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, said: “It will be a great privilege to welcome the Archbishop to Chichester and to join him in prayer. I hope many people across the county will join with us on this historic day in the life of the diocese.”

At 11.45am the Archbishop was due to be at the Market Cross, in Chichester, where he would address the crowd, offering a prayer and an invitation to walk alongside him as he begins his journey from the Market Cross to the Cathedral, via West Street.

Between midday and 6.15pm he was due to bein the cathedral.

A spokeswoman for the cathedral said visitors were welcome at any point during the day.