Pope Francis burial
Royale mourning community in the Vatican
From Prince William to King Felipe. In Rome, numerous European royals gather for the funeral of Pope Francis.
An impressive delegation of European royal houses came together in Rome on Saturday to pay the last honor to the late Pope Francis (1936-2025). St. Peter’s Square turned into a sea of black mourning clothes when the royal dignitaries arrived from different countries to take part in the funeral service.
Prince William, who his father King Charles III. represented, was one of the most prominent mourners. The British heir to the throne appeared in a dark blue suit and sat next to the Norwegian crown prince couple. “He is present on behalf of his father, who still has to prioritize certain appointments after his cancer diagnosis”, ”
Monegasium mourning dress and Norwegian traditions
Prince Albert and Princess Charlène of Monaco appeared particularly devout. According to the tradition, the South African native wore a completely black ensemble with a veil. The princess seemed visibly seized throughout the ceremony. The Monegasium prince had only visited the Pope in the Vatican in 2022 and maintained a special relationship with the head of the Catholic Church.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit from Norway were among the first royal guests who arrived at St. Peter’s Square. Mette-Marit, also in traditional black mourning clothing with top veil, and her husband represented King Harald V. After the Pope’s death, King Harald had declared in a moving message: “Pope Francis was observed and loved as a passionate and clear voice for the vulnerable of society.”
Swedish and Belgian sympathy
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden – with a walking stick – also took part in the funeral service. The Swedish royal couple had previously expressed its deep connection with the deceased Pope in a joint explanation: “We remember warmth of ecumenical service, as Lutherans and Catholics under the arches of the cathedral to leave historical conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding.”
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were also among the mourning guests. As one of the last remaining Catholic royal houses in Europe, they had a particularly close relationship with the Pope. The Belgian royal palace was one of the first to confirm his participation in the funeral service. “With great grief we found out about Pope Francis’ death,” they said after his death. “He was a big man, close to the most modest and worried about the problems of the world.”
Spanish royals in deep grief
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were also deeply affected by the Pope’s death. Spain had even proclaimed three -day bodies of state – a sign of the deep connection between the Catholic country with the Holy Father. In his appreciation, King Felipe emphasized that the Pope “was always a role model by his conviction to bring the poorest and most needed encouragement and consolation”.
Only King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands could not take part in the ceremony due to the Dutch national holiday, which marked the king’s birthday.
Observers described the meeting of the European Royals as a “rare moment of unity” in times of political tensions. The burial was pursued by around 200,000 believers and is considered one of the greatest religious events in recent years.
Spotonnews
Source: Stern
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