The 63-year-old former NHS chief nurse has been selected as the incoming spiritual leader of the Church of England - creating a milestone as the first woman to be selected for this prestigious role.
A former NHS chief nurse, the sixty-three-year-old entered the priesthood in 2006 and was named as the first female Bishop of London in 2018 - occupying the third highest position of religious leadership in the Anglican Church.
This signifies the initial occasion in nearly 500 years of history that the Anglican Communion has nominated a female to lead it.
Groundbreaking Appointment
The Anglican Church has been lacking an individual in the top job for almost a year after the previous Archbishop stepped down over a safeguarding scandal.
He departed following a critical investigation into a serial offender linked to the Church. The report found that he "could and should" have reported the misconduct by John Smyth of boys and young men to law enforcement in 2013.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell assumed most of Mr Welby's responsibilities in an interim move, and was among those casting ballots of the committee charged with selecting his successor.
Official Process
In line with tradition, the procedure of choosing a new archbishop involves a name being presented to the Prime Minister and then forwarded to the monarch.
The Prime Minister has applauded Dame Sarah's appointment, commenting: "This position will serve an important function in our national life. I offer my best wishes and anticipate collaborating."
While, technically, the King is leader of the Church of England, the person holding the position of spiritual leader is the most senior bishop and is the religious guide of the religious institution and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Monarchical and Global Reaction
King Charles III has congratulated the new Archbishop on her new role, "which is of such importance in the UK and across the worldwide Anglican community", the royal household said.
The international conservative Anglican group, which represents conservative views, has criticised the selection, stating that although some will welcome it, "most members of the global church still believes that the Bible requires a all-male bishopric."
Handover Process
She does not legally take on her new role until a formal approval process in January, and an enthronement service comes later, after they have paid homage to the King.
In a declaration on Friday after her new role was confirmed, she said: "I know this is a significant undertaking but I undertake it with a feeling of calm and trust in God to support me as has consistently occurred."
Addressing media at Canterbury Cathedral, she said that "during a period that seeks absolute answers and group identity, the Anglican tradition offers something quieter but stronger."
Addressing Violence
Talking about the "horrific violence" of the previous day's incident on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester, she stated "we observe hatred that emerges through fractures across our society."
She continued: "The religious community have a responsibility to be a people who support the Jewish community against antisemitism in all its forms. Hatred and racism of any kind cannot be allowed to divide our society."
Professional History
A mother of two, she devoted more than three decades in the National Health Service, achieving the position of the youngest-ever chief nursing officer for the country in 1999.
Although she was volunteering in the Church at the period, it was just a few years later that she chose to enter a clergy member and was promptly assigned helping make reforms in the way the institution addressed misconduct.
In 2012 she became financial administrator at Salisbury Cathedral before assuming the role of diocesan leader in the regional church administration in 2015.
As London's religious leader she was regarded as someone who applied her background as an health service manager to help modernise the church district.
Personal Philosophy
"I am often asked what it has been like to have had two careers, initially in the health service and currently in the Church.
"I prefer to think that I have always had a single calling: to follow Jesus Christ, to understand his teachings and to share his message, always seeking to demonstrate empathy in the assistance to people, whether as a nurse, a priest, or a bishop."
Upcoming Responsibilities
Perhaps the most urgent thing in her agenda is still to chart a better path towards dealing with abuse and treating with more compassion those affected by it.
There has also been a decline in church attendance, though the capital has to some extent resisted this pattern.
A particular subject she has been particularly vocal on is assisted dying - she is a vociferous opponent, as was her preceding Archbishop.
When legislation was passed in the House of Commons, she described it as "unworkable and unsafe and creates danger to the most vulnerable people in our society."
Modern Positions
One of her roles as Bishop of London was to chair a committee trying to steer the Church's decision on whether to bless same-sex marriages.
She described the decision to ultimately permit priests to bless same-sex couples in 2023 as "an optimistic development for the Church."
A former Archbishop, summarised her position as requiring a "newspaper in one hand and a understanding of scripture."
Dr Williams explained to journalists "the pressure of having an position on all matters is quite heavy."
