Pope Francis mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II

Pope Francis greets Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on 3 April 2014 - Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis has sent his condolences to King Charles III and the people of the United Kingdom after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The Holy Father said in his message: "Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."

The Pope said he joins everyone who mourns her loss "in praying for the late Queen's eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises."

Pope Francis also commended "her noble soul" to the mercy of God the Father.

"I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that Almighty God will sustain you with his unfailing grace as you now take up your high responsibilities as King. Upon you and all who cherish the memory of your late mother, I invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord."