Archbishop Longley, co-chairman of ARCIC III (the Anglican Roman-Catholic International Commission), said Welby's appointment was good news for Anglican-Catholic relations "nationally and internationally", because the archbishop-designate "builds on the strong commitment and ecumenical legacy" of his predecessor, Archbishop Rowan Williams.
He said: "In Bishop Welby it will be good to have a strong ally in the work of evangelisation that lies ahead of all the Churches, especially during the Year of Faith, when the Catholic Church is seeking an evangelisation that is ‘new in its ardour, methods and expression'."
He added: "Bishop Welby's long experience of business and commerce suggests that he understands the contemporary context for the task of evangelising our culture."