King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, hailing his compassion, commitment to unity, and unwavering service to people of faith.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King said their “heavy hearts” were eased only slightly by the fact that the Pope had been able to share an Easter greeting with the Church before his passing at the age of 88.
The royal couple had recently visited the pontiff during a state visit to Italy earlier this month—an encounter the King recalled with “particular affection.” During the private meeting, Pope Francis had personally extended his congratulations on their 20th wedding anniversary.
“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 goodwill,” the King said. “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.”
Both the King and Pope Francis have long shared a commitment to addressing the global climate crisis. In 2023, the Pope warned that the world was “collapsing” due to climate change, and called for the end of fossil fuel dependency at the COP28 conference, declaring that “the destruction of the environment is an offense against God.”
Widely considered one of the more progressive popes, Pope Francis’s legacy includes bold yet controversial reforms aimed at adapting the Catholic Church to a changing world. In a groundbreaking move in 2023, he permitted priests to bless same-sex couples outside formal church rituals—an unprecedented gesture welcomed by many but criticized by traditionalists.
Despite his progressive stance on some social issues, he remained firm on other traditional doctrines, opposing gay adoption, abortion, and the death penalty, and supporting the celibacy of priests.
The King reflected fondly on his meetings with Pope Francis, the first of which occurred in 2017 when he was still the Prince of Wales. He described the recent April visit as deeply moving and extended his “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.”
Tributes also poured in from across the UK political spectrum.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he joined “millions around the world” in mourning the pontiff’s death. He praised Pope Francis as “a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten,” and commended his humble, courageous leadership.
“Pope Francis was close to the realities of human fragility,” Starmer said. “Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.”
In his final Easter message, read aloud by clergy, Pope Francis emphasized the need for peace and respect for freedoms of religion, thought, and expression. He called attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rising antisemitism, expressing solidarity with both Palestinians and Israelis. He also urged all parties in the war in Ukraine to strive for a just and lasting peace.
Further tributes included:
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, said the Pope’s passing on Easter Monday was “especially poignant” and reminded the world that “leadership isn’t about power, but about service.”
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, hailed the Pope as a “voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation.”
Eluned Morgan, Welsh First Minister, noted Pope Francis led “with unwavering humility, courage and profound compassion.”
Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, recalled his support for the peace process during a 2018 visit to Ireland.
Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, extended “sincere condolences to all those who mourn.”
The world continues to mourn a spiritual leader remembered not only for his humility and courage, but for his enduring call to serve humanity with love, justice, and peace.
Reference
King and Queen Mourn Pope Francis: “A Faithful Follower of Christ”