Pope Francis, Known as 'the People's Pope', Dies on Easter Monday at Age 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The European royal families paid tribute to Pope Francis by sharing condolence messages and photographs taken with him.

King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their condolences following the death of Pope Francis, just 11 days after their state visit to Italy, during which they held a private audience with the Pontiff.

King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden wrote: The Queen and I remember Pope Francis with great respect and warmth. Our thoughts are with Catholics around the world who have lost a great leader and role model.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium stated: It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Pope Francis. He was a great man, close to the most vulnerable and concerned about the problems of the world.

We share the sorrow of all Catholics throughout the world and of all who loved and esteemed him, and we are grateful for the honour he did us by visiting our country.

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg expressed: The Grand Duchess and I are deeply saddened by the announcement of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. This sorrow is all the greater as we had the honour and immense joy of welcoming him on an official visit to Luxembourg just last September.

He was a man of great compassion, always concerned with the most disadvantaged and refugees, and deeply attentive to the hopes of younger generations. He was, for us and for the world beyond the Church, a spiritual guide. We offer You our most sincere condolences and, through You, to the entire Catholic community.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene shared: It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Pope Francis on this Easter Monday. Deeply moved, my family and I, along with the entire Principality, wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the Catholic Church and to all the faithful, with whom we share immense grief.

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have sent a letter of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, on the occasion of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.