The Archbishop of Canterbury has promised to offer sanctuary for Syrian refugees at Lambeth Palace.
Justin Welby will welcome people fleeing the war-ravaged country in a four-bedroom cottage at the palace, his official London residence.
His gesture follows a similar move by the Catholic Church after Pope Francis said two refugee families would move into Vatican housing, but Lambeth Palace said it was something the archbishop has been considering for "a while".
A spokeswoman said the cottage in the palace grounds is currently being redecorated and could provide room for a "family or two".
She said: "As a Christian who leads the Church of England it is something he feels absolutely passionate about.
"As the archbishop has said, Jesus was a refugee, and there are refugees here who are desperate for sanctuary from war-torn places and the archbishop is completely torn about their situation and wants to make a difference."
The rent for the refugees will be paid for by charitable funds under the archbishop's personal control, the Sunday Times said.
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