Speaking to Vatican Radio earlier today, Dr Williams said that she had affected the lives of many Christians:

"Chiara Lubich was one of the great figures of the modern Church, she set a new tone and a new agenda for the community life of many Christians. Her writings and teachings gave inspiration to hundreds of thousands and we lament her passing with very deep feeling. She was someone I had the privilege of meeting and I've had very fruitful contact over many years with the Focolare Movement who have been kind and supportive and inspirational to me in my own ministry. My heart goes out to them as they mourn Chiara's passing. I think we have seen in her one of the great lights of the present Christian generation."