After the passing of Pope Francis, King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their condolences in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. The King mentioned feeling “deeply saddened” by the Pope’s death at 88, but also found solace in the fact that the pontiff was able to share an Easter greeting before his passing. He reminisced about meeting Pope Francis during a recent state visit to Italy, an encounter that left a lasting impression on the royal couple.
Reflecting on the Pope’s legacy, King Charles highlighted his compassion, commitment to unity in the Church, and advocacy for causes that benefit people of faith and goodwill. The King pointed out the Pope’s belief in caring for Creation as a fundamental expression of faith, resonating with many across the globe. Both King Charles and Pope Francis were known advocates for addressing climate change, with the pontiff warning about the world’s dire situation due to environmental concerns.
Pope Francis, viewed as a progressive leader, made significant strides during his tenure, including allowing priests to bless same-sex couples – a move that garnered mixed reactions within the Church. The King and Queen expressed gratitude for the opportunities to meet the Pope over the years and extended their heartfelt condolences to the Church and individuals mourning his loss. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Pope Francis, praising his leadership and compassionate approach to addressing global challenges.
Various British politicians, including Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, acknowledged Pope Francis’s contributions to peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. The Pope’s impact and dedication to serving the marginalized were widely recognized across different political spectrums in the UK
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
