‘Touched the lives of so many’: King Charles and Queen Camilla deliver heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis

King Charles and Queen Camilla have delivered a moving tribute to Pope Francis and shared their “heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy,” following the pontiff’s death.

Vatican officials revealed the Pope passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest on Monday, April 21.

His death came as a shock to many, given he had appeared in St. Peter’s Square aboard an open-air popemobile on Easter Sunday, smiling and waving to cheering crowds—an appearance that had suggested his health was improving.

Following his passing, Buckingham Palace released a statement from the King which said he and Camilla were “most deeply saddened” by the news which came only 12 days after the royal couple met with the ailing 88-year-old while he was convalescing.

“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” the message read.

“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.

“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”

As a mark of respect the Union flag will be flown half-mast at royal residences where King Charles is not in residence and sombre music will be played at the Changing of the Guard ceremonies.

The royal couple’s historic state visit to the Vatican in early April was cancelled due to the Pope’s poor health, but they managed to visit the head of the Roman Catholic Church privately during their trip to Italy.

A last minute meeting was arranged so Francis could see them on their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, during the week before his death.

As Prince of Wales, Charles had met Pope Francis twice but the visit in April was his first as monarch and head of the Church of England and it was said the pair had huge respect for one another.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi—a saint known for his love of the poor and nature. This choice reflected the kind of pope he would be: down-to-earth, deeply spiritual, and focused on serving others.

During his time as pope, he worked to reform the Catholic Church from the inside. He pushed for more transparency in Vatican finances, made strong efforts to address sexual abuse scandals, and called for justice for survivors. He also opened up conversations on topics like the role of women in the Church and showed a more welcoming tone toward LGBTQ+ individuals, moves that drew both praise and criticism.

– with PA.