In a heartfelt statement, King Charles expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. The King and Queen Camilla acknowledged their "heavy hearts" as they paid tribute to the Pope's unwavering compassion and his tireless commitment to people of faith. The statement, released by Buckingham Palace, highlighted their sadness, which was somewhat alleviated by the Pope’s ability to deliver an Easter greeting to the Church and the world he served so devotedly before his passing.
Earlier this month, King Charles and Queen Camilla had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis during a state visit to Italy. The King fondly recalled this meeting, noting it as one of several encounters he cherished. During their private session, Pope Francis extended warm wishes to the royal couple on their 20th wedding anniversary, showcasing the personal connections he fostered even amidst his extensive responsibilities.
King Charles emphasized that Pope Francis would be remembered for his profound compassion and his dedication to fostering unity within the Church. He commended the Pope for his commitment to the common causes of all people of faith and those of goodwill who strive to uplift others. The King highlighted the Pope's belief that caring for creation is an essential expression of faith in God, a message that resonated with many globally. Through his dedicated work for both humanity and the planet, Pope Francis touched countless lives.
Both King Charles and Pope Francis have long been advocates for combatting climate change. In 2023, the Pope warned of the world nearing a breaking point due to climate change and vocally supported calls for an end to fossil fuel dependency, labeling environmental destruction as an offense against God. His progressive stance positioned him as a pivotal figure in addressing global environmental crises.
Despite being seen as one of the more progressive popes, Pope Francis faced the challenging task of maintaining unity within the Church in a rapidly changing world. In 2023, he permitted priests to bless same-sex couples, a significant yet controversial shift for the Catholic Church. While this move was celebrated by many within the LGBT community, it also faced criticism for not extending to regular church rituals or weddings, reflecting a nuanced approach to tradition and reform. The Pope maintained traditional views by opposing gay adoption, rejecting the death penalty, and supporting priestly celibacy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were deeply moved by their visit to Pope Francis and expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Church and to the countless individuals worldwide mourning the loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute, stating he joined millions globally in grieving the Pope's death. He praised Pope Francis's leadership of the Catholic Church as courageous and rooted in deep humility, emphasizing the Pope's dedication to the poor and marginalized.
In his final Easter address, delivered by a clergy member, Pope Francis reiterated his calls for peace, emphasizing that true peace cannot exist without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and respect for diverse viewpoints. He specifically referenced the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Pope expressed concern over the rising antisemitism and called for empathy towards the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Senior British politicians also expressed their condolences and respect for Pope Francis. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, remarked that the timing of the Pope's death on Easter Monday felt particularly poignant, noting that true leadership is rooted in service. Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, praised the Pope as a voice for peace and reconciliation, while Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, acknowledged his leadership characterized by humility and compassion. Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, recalled the Pope's 2018 visit to Ireland, wherein he passionately supported the peace process, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly extended heartfelt condolences to all mourning his loss.
