UPDATE: |King Charles has ‘heavy heart’ as he pays tribute to Pope Francis in official statement News

‘His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion’

King Charles has paid tribute to the Pope following the announcement that he passed away early this morning

Senior Vatican officials confirmed that Pope Francis, who had been elected head of the papacy in 2013, died at the age of 88 this morning (April 21).

The Royal Family has released a message paying tribute to the Bishop of Rome, saying that he had ‘served with such devotion’ and ‘profoundly touched the lives of so many’.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also recalled how they had been able to spend some time with Pope Francis during a special meeting in Italy earlier this month, as reported by The Mirror.

In a statement, King 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.”

During the Royal visit to Italy, King Charles and Queen Camilla had been pictured alongside Pope Francis. The Queen was seen shaking his hand while the King stood next to her smiling.

There was an exchange of gifts, with Charles seen holding a small red box. Buckingham Palace posted the picture on the royal family’s official X, formerly Twitter, account with the words “Che occasione speciale!” (‘what a special occasion’).

The social media account went on to describe how it had been a ‘special moment’ and the pair had been ‘honoured to share their best wishes to him in person’.