King Charles has paid tribute to Pope Francis after the head of the Catholic Church died at the age of 88.
His Majesty said he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the Pope’s passing earlier this morning in the Vatican City.
He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be ‘remembered for his compassion’ and had ‘profoundly touched the lives of so many’.
Pope Francis’s death came just weeks after King Charles and Queen Camilla met His Eminence in Rome during a royal visit to Italy, with His Majesty saying the couple were ‘greatly moved to have been able to visit him’.
The Pontiff had spent the last couple of months battling health problems, including a bout of pneumonia which left him hospitalised.
He had recovered enough to hold a private audience with the pair on April 9, and he had been seen at public events over the Easter weekend, while also meeting US Vice President JD Vance in recent days.
However, it was announced early on Easter Monday that he had passed away, sending more than a billion Catholics worldwide into mourning.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have a private meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican City on April 9 this year
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Charles said: ‘My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.
‘Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
‘His Holiness 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.
‘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 both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
‘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.
‘We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve 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.’
His Majesty was
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