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THE PRINCE of Wales is set to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on behalf of the King, Kensington Palace has said.
William will travel to the Vatican ahead of the procession and ceremony for the pontiff on Saturday, joining world leaders such as US President Donald Trump and France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
GettyPrince William will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in place of King Charles[/caption]
The Mega AgencyKing Charles and Queen Camilla met the Pope on a state visit to the Vatican just 12 days before his death[/caption]
GettyThe Prince of Wales will attend the ceremony held outside St Peter’s Basilica for the Pope on Saturday[/caption]
Catholics around the world have been mourning Pope Francis after he passed away on Monday morning, following weeks of intensive care in hospital.
King Charles and Queen Camilla had met the Pope just 12 days before he died, during a state visit to the Vatican.
In a moving tribute, the King shared how “deeply saddened” he was to have heard of the pontiff’s death.
The message, posted on the Instagram account for The Royal Family, read: “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.
“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.”
The tribute continued: “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.
“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.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.’ Charles R.”
Pope Francis had been hospitalised for weeks at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after suffering a bout of bronchitis and double pneumonia.
Following a 38-day stay at the centre, he was discharged on March 23, giving him time to recover and bless crowds of worshippers on Easter Sunday.
However, just hours later, officials in the Holy See announced the leader of the Catholic Church had passed away.
A death certificate released by the Vatican stated Pope Francis died after suffering a cerebral stroke which led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Following his death, the Italian government officially declared five days of national mourning, running up until his funeral on Saturday.
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