King Charles has spoken of his deep sadness at the death of Pope Francis and has paid tribute to his faith and to his devotion to those in need.
In a moving statement, The King said Pope Francis ”will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others”.
The King said he sent his condolences to all Catholics and to the ”countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio but chose his papal name in honour of St. Francis of Assissi whose love of the natural world remains an inspiration to many. The Pope spoke often of the importance of respecting the world and all those who live in it and The King noted that ”his belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for people and the planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Pope Francis and King Charles met for the final time less than two weeks ago when the Pontiff welcomed the Monarch to the Vatican for a private audience. The King had been set to make a State Visit to the Holy See but this had been postponed after the Pope spent weeks in hospital with bilateral pneumonia. He had returned home to continue his recuperation and met King Charles and Queen Camilla on their 20th wedding anniversary, April 9 2025.
Speaking in the hours after the Pope’s death, King Charles said that ”The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”
The Pope died just hours after celebrating Easter at St. Peter’s Square where he appeared on a balcony to deliver his Urbi et Orbi message in which he said that ”love had triumphed over hatred”.
Francis was elected Pope in March 2013. He died on April 21 2025.
