Royal family releases emotional message following recent meeting with late pontiff
King Charles III has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, just days after meeting the late pontiff privately during a royal visit to the Vatican.
In a moving statement released by Buckingham Palace and shared on the Royal Family’s official Instagram account, the monarch wrote: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.”
The King reflected on the Pope’s enduring compassion and spiritual leadership, stating: “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.”
Charles also highlighted Pope Francis’ advocacy for the environment, noting that his “belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.”
The monarch and Queen Camilla had visited Pope Francis at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican on April 9—an occasion that coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary. The visit marked their third meeting with the pontiff, following previous encounters in 2017 and 2019.
Recalling their moments together, Charles added: “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.”
During a past visit, Pope Francis told Charles—then Prince of Wales—“Wherever you go, may you be a man of peace,” to which Charles replied, “I’ll do my best.”
As tributes pour in from around the world, the King’s deeply personal message underscores the respect and connection he felt toward the late pontiff, whose legacy continues to resonate globally.
