Rt Revd

Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said the Pope's leadership remained "steadfast through a rapidly changing world, shaped by many global events".

They told the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell: "Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral it is with deep regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool feel the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable."

The Bishop of Gloucester, Rt Revd Rachel Treweek said any bishop thinking about becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury needs "their head reading".

He is being accompanied on the visit by the Anglican Bishop of Europe, the Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes.

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox said Alflatt's behaviour was "a matter of deep shame" for the Church of England.