Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope this week, taking the name Leo XIV. King Charles, the head of the Church of England, sent private congratulations to the new leader of the Catholic church. In the message, Charles expressed his and Queen Camilla’s “sincere good wishes” for Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration will likely take place within the week, and King Charles will likely be represented by a member of the British royal family at the event. In 2013, at Pope Francis’s inauguration, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended; in 2005, at Pope Benedict XVI’s inauguration, Prince Philip attended.
King Charles didn’t attend Pope Francis’s funeral, though he saw him shortly before he died during his visit to Italy; instead, Prince William represented his father at the ceremony in Vatican City.
“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,” the King wrote in a tribute to Francis.
He added, “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. 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.”
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