Pope Francis's death has sparked a vacuum at the highest levels of Christianity which has not been seen for more than three centuries.
The pontiff died aged 88 on Easter Monday, leaving the papal throne empty for the first time since 2013.
And with Justin Welby having resigned his post as Archbishop of Canterbury in January, his role sits vacant too.
It marks the first time since May 1691 that the roles of Pope and Archbishop have been empty at the same time.
Justin Welby - who took office just days after Pope Francis - said he was in mourning for his friend the pontiff
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Between February 1, 1690, and May 31, 1691, the See of Canterbury was empty after the then-Archbishop was deprived of his office for refusing to swear allegiance to William and Mary.
Then, in February 1691, Pope Alexander VIII died.
Today, Welby, who took office just days after Pope Francis, said he was in mourning for his friend the pontiff.
"It is with a deep sense of personal sadness that I mourn the death of my friend, His Holiness Pope Francis," Welby said in a statement this morning.
"With our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters - along with the global Church and many more around the world - I'm filled with a great sense of loss.
LATEST FOLLOWING POPE FRANCIS'S DEATH:
The papal throne now sits empty for the first time since 2013
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"He was a Pope who spoke not just to the Catholic church, but far beyond it. His leadership was felt powerfully among us in the Anglican Communion.
"From the very first days of his papacy he was an example of humility. He constantly reminded us of the importance of serving the poor, always standing with those who faced persecution and hardship.
"During my time as Archbishop of Canterbury, it was a great privilege to work with him in peacebuilding, not least in South Sudan. Over the years, he became a friend and I will miss him deeply.
"For his commitment to walking together as Roman Catholics and Anglicans, and for his vision and passion for working for ever greater reconciliation and unity between all Christian denominations, I am profoundly grateful.
"I give thanks to God for the life of this faithful servant of Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
In no sooner than 15 days, cardinals will gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave to select the Pope's successor
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Canterbury Cathedral will have to wait until September for a new Archbishop
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The two figurehead religious posts will continue to sit vacant for at least two more weeks.
In no sooner than 15 days, cardinals will gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave to select his successor.
However, it is expected to take much longer for the Church of England's next spiritual leader will be confirmed.
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) will meet in May, July, and September to discuss its potential next candidate for Archbishop, with a decision expected at the final meeting in September.
The CNC will then nominate the preferred candidate to the Prime Minister, who will submit the name to the King - the head of the Church - for approval.
