Königshäuser mourn for Pope Francis: emotional reactions of the monarchs

The death of Pope Francis (1936-2025) has triggered deep dismay worldwide. The 88-year-old Pontifex died on Monday in his residence Santa Marta in the Vatican in the early morning. A stroke has now been announced as the cause of death, which then led to a coma and a cardiovascular failure. While believers gather for prayer in Rome and worldwide, numerous royal homes have also expressed their sympathy.

British King Charles III was one of the first monarchs. (76). In his message, he praised Francis as a man who remembered “for his mercy” and “had deeply touched life so many people”. The British king particularly emphasized the commitment of the late Pope for environmental protection and recalled her personal encounters. It was only at the beginning of April that Charles visited the Pontifex together with his wife, Queen Camilla (77).

reacted to the news with “great sadness”. King Philippe (65) and Queen Mathilde (52) only met the Pope last September during his trip through Belgium and Luxembourg at Laeken Castle. In their condolence letter, they paid tribute to Francis as a “great man” who was close to the humble and worried about the problems of the world.

The reaction of Prince Albert II (67) and Princess Charlène von Monaco (47) was particularly personal. From her encounter with the Pope in 2022 and expressed his “infinite sadness” and “deep dismay”. Loss is particularly painful for the Monegasium Royals, their contact with the Catholic Church is traditionally very narrow. For example, Albert also undertook his first trip abroad as confident about the funeral of Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), while Charlène converted to Catholicism shortly before her wedding.

Moving words of sympathy also came from Spain. , and the Spanish people of his “warmest condolence”. He emphasized that Pope Francis testified the importance of charity, fraternity and social friendship for the world of the 21st century during his pontificate.

King Willem-Alexander (57) and Queen Máxima (53) of the Netherlands published a letter on the website of the royal family, in which they showed themselves “deeply sad” about the news. They recalled their state visit to the Vatican in 2017 and the “warm memories” of their personal audience at Franziskus.

Also Grand Duke Henri (70) and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg (68). The couple emphasized the special connection to the Pope, which they were only able to receive last September during an official visit to Luxembourg. In their condolence message, they described Francis as the “man of great sympathy”, who always shared the suffering of others and campaigned for the weakest in society.

And conveyed his sincere sympathy. In his letter, he reminded of the encounter with the Pope in 2018 in the Vatican and paid tribute to his tireless commitment to peace, justice and people in difficult life situations.

King Harald (88) and Queen Sonja (87) sent conduct from Norway. In their message, they emphasized that Pope Francis was considered as a passionate and clear voice for the most vulnerable of society and loved. The Norwegian king expressed all Catholics in Norway and his sympathy worldwide in this sad time.

King Carl Gustaf (78) and Queen Silvia (81) of Sweden. They recalled the historical visit of Francis in Lund almost ten years ago when Lutheran and Catholics came together among the vaults of the cathedral in order to leave historical conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding.

Princess Madeleine (42) of Sweden also paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy. She thanked him especially for his commitment to children in need of protection and exploited, a topic that is very important to the princess herself. “Your friendliness and courage will always be remembered,” wrote the Swedish princess.

Moving condolences also came from the Middle East. , who was loved by the people for his quality, modesty and tireless efforts to bring everyone together “.

In Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Rome for a rosary prayer guard in front of the pars basilica. The Pope’s body will be laid out in St. Peter’s Basilica for three days on Wednesday morning before being buried after a funeral service on St. Peter’s Square on Saturday in the basilica Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.