"Most deeply saddened" – King Charles III mourns Pope Francis’s passing, says final act 'eased his heavy heart'

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence, Casa Santa Marta. Pope Francis' passing has shaken the world, and messages of condolences have been sent from all around the world. The King of the United Kingdom, King Charles, has also sent his condolences and has released a statement where he mentioned that he was "most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis."

Jorge Mario Bergoglio took up the papal name Francis in a way to honor St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his compassion for the poor and underprivileged. He passed away in his Vatican home, Casa Santa Marta, after receiving treatment for double pneumonia for 38 days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

According to the statement released by the Vatican, the Pontiff passed away at 7:35 in the morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell said:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."

He continued,

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised," the statement continued. "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The rest of the world paid their tribute, and so did the King of the United Kingdom; he released a statement in which he expressed his sorrow for the Pontiff.

“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.”

He continued,

"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.”

He concluded by mentioning that only a few days prior to his death, he and his wife, Queen Camilla, had surprised the Pope with a visit.

“We were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”

King Charles III's surprise visit to Pope Francis

He made a surprise private visit to the Pope on April 9 when he and the Queen were in Italy for a four-day state visit. The meeting with Pope Francis had been cancelled when his health was not showing any improvement. The moment it did, the meeting was added back to the King and Queen's schedule.

The visit was held in the Pope's residence, where they exchanged greetings. The King and Queen wished the Pope a speedy recovery while he wished them on their twentieth wedding anniversary. They were then described as "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them" by Buckingham Palace.

Pope Francis will be remembered for being a spiritual leader, in addition to being the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas.

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

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