King Charles and his wife, Camilla, were “deeply saddened” to learn of the pope’s death, the monarch said in a statement on Monday, weeks after the pair met with Pope Francis on a state visit to Italy.

King Charles and his wife, Camilla, were “deeply saddened” to learn of the pope’s death, the monarch said in a statement on Monday, weeks after the pair met with Pope Francis on a state visit to Italy.

iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image3turn0image6King Charles III and Queen Camilla have expressed profound sorrow following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The pontiff passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta after battling health issues, including recent treatment for double pneumonia

Their Majesties had met with Pope Francis just days earlier, on April 9, 2025, during a state visit to Italy. The meeting was particularly significant as it coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary. During this private audience, Pope Francis, despite his health challenges, offered a personal greeting for their anniversary and exchanged gifts with the royal couple

In a heartfelt tribute, King Charles highlighted Pope Francis’s enduring legacy of compassion, commitment to unity, and advocacy for environmental stewardship. He fondly reflected on their final meeting, noting its meaningful nature now that he serves as the head of the Church of England

The royal couple’s sentiments were echoed by other global leaders, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who had also met with the Pope shortly before his passing. Vice President Vance praised Pope Francis’s dedication to the Gospel and his support for marginalized communities, emphasizing the Pope’s impact on both spiritual and humanitarian fronts

For a visual account of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s meeting with Pope Francis, you can view the following image:

This image captures a poignant moment during their final meeting, reflecting the warmth and respect shared between the royal couple and the pontiff