The Most Rev. Robert Alexander Kennedy Runcie, former Archbishop of Canterbury, died July 11 at his home in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Archbishop Runcie, who had battled cancer for a number of years, died peacefully. He was 78.

As Archbishop of Canterbury from 1980 to 1991, Lord Runcie was well respected throughout the Anglican Communion. He initiated the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Canterbury Cathedral in 1982.

Anglican leaders from throughout the world quickly commented on Archbishop Runcie's life and work.

"Robert's graciousness of character won him friends and admirers all over the Anglican Communion," said the Most Rev. George L. Carey, current Archbishop of Canterbury. "He gave a high priority to the unity of the Church of England and to the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in our worldwide Communion. That inheritance has been a great one on which to build ... (he) will also be remembered for his deep Christian faith and the delightful sense of humor which was rarely absent from his faith and life."

The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, said Archbishop Runcie "was an important presence in deepening the Anglican relationship with the Roman Catholic Church, particularly through his invitation to Pope John Paul in 1982 to visit Canterbury ... He was wise, irenic and possessed of a wonderful wry wit."

"(A) leader devoted to the cause of Christian unity, especially with our Orthodox and Roman Catholic brothers and sisters," is how the Rt. Rev. Simon Chiwanga of Tanzania, chairman of the Anglican Consultative Council, described Archbishop Runcie. He praised the archbishop's ability to "stand firm" in his beliefs and convictions even when under pressure.

"He was a great archbishop of courageous statesmanship, who held the church together during a difficult time," said the Very Rev. John Simpson, dean of Canterbury. "He was much loved in the diocese. He was always at Cricket Week in Canterbury; (and) he frequently visited parishes..."

Lord Runcie, created a life peer in 1991, served in the Scots Guards during World War II. He was a graduate of Brasenose College, Oxford. Ordained in 1951, Archbishop Runcie held mostly academic positions before his consecration as Bishop of St. Albans in 1970. He chaired the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Doctrinal Commission, 1973-80.

His wife, Rosalind, his children, James and Rebecca, and four grandchildren survive him. A funeral service at St. Albans was planned for July 22. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Abbey at a later date.

Compiled from BBC, Anglican Communion News Service and Episcopal News Service reports