In a moment that has touched hearts around the world, tributes have been pouring in for Pope Francis following news of his passing at the age of 88.
One particularly heartfelt message came from King Charles, who expressed deep sadness over the Pope’s death—just weeks after the two men met during a royal visit to Rome.
Pope Francis died in the early hours of Easter Monday at his residence in Vatican City, ending a historic papacy that spanned over a decade and touched countless lives.
His death has left more than a billion Catholics across the globe in mourning.
King Charles Pays Tribute with Deep Emotion
King Charles and Queen Camilla had the rare privilege of meeting Pope Francis in early April during their official trip to Italy.
Reflecting on that visit, the King shared that both he and the Queen were “greatly moved” to have seen the Pope so recently.
In a touching statement from Buckingham Palace, King Charles remembered the Pope as a man of profound compassion and unwavering commitment to unity and humanity.
He highlighted the Pope’s deep care for both people and the planet, saying his work “profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Even as they grieve, the King said their hearts are comforted by the fact that Pope Francis was able to share an Easter message with the world—one last gesture of hope and devotion.
A Papal Life Filled with Faith and Service
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, had battled health issues in recent months, including a serious bout of pneumonia that left him hospitalized.
Despite his illness, he managed to meet with world leaders and carry out some public engagements over Easter weekend.
One of his final meetings was with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who later reflected that the Pope had looked visibly unwell during their time together.
Still, Vance took to social media to honor him, sharing how a homily Pope Francis gave during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic had left a lasting impression on him.
Political Figures Around the World Share Their Grief
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also issued a heartfelt statement, calling Pope Francis a “pope for the poor, the downtrodden, and the forgotten.”
He praised the Pope’s humble leadership during a time of global turmoil and remembered how his words always offered hope, even in the darkest of circumstances.
Starmer emphasized the Pope’s dedication to the vulnerable—those facing war, hunger, persecution, and poverty—and how his unwavering faith inspired countless people to embrace compassion, mercy, and charity.
Remembering a Pope Who Reached Beyond Boundaries
Throughout his time as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was known for his emphasis on unity, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
He reached across religious and political divides, consistently calling on humanity to care for one another and the Earth.
His influence extended well beyond the walls of the Vatican, often challenging global leaders to act with kindness and humility.
His death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church and leaves behind a powerful legacy of empathy and action.
A Final Farewell to a Spiritual Giant
As Catholics around the world grieve this monumental loss, messages of love and remembrance continue to flood in.
Leaders, believers, and communities of all faiths are honoring the life of a man who never lost faith in humanity’s potential for good.
King Charles ended his tribute with words that reflect how Pope Francis will be remembered by many: not only as a religious leader, but as a faithful servant of Christ who carried compassion, courage, and love wherever he went.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow as the world prepares to say its final goodbye to Pope Francis.