,type=downsize)
Tributes for Pope Francis have been flooding in since His Holiness passed away on Easter Monday. The pontiff, who was elected pope in 2013, met with royals from around the world during his tenure, including Jordan's Queen Rania, who joined the 266th pope at a summit on children’s rights at the Vatican this past February. From the Jordanian Queen to Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, see how royals have reacted to Pope Francis' death.
© Vatican Pool - Corbis/Corbis via Getty ImagesQueen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We have warm memories of our personal audience with him, during our state visit to the Holy See in 2017. Pope Francis radiated mercy in everything he did. With his deep-rooted faith in God’s love, he was the embodiment of benevolence and humanity. Choosing a simple, ascetic way of life, he consistently chose the side of the vulnerable and needy. He was deeply convinced that God works through humility and compassion, and in that spirit he actively sought to build bridges with other religious communities all over the world. He was a committed guardian of the listening and loving Church, and as a result he succeeded in winning the hearts of many, both within the Roman Catholic Church and outside it. We will cherish his memory in gratitude.”
© Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty ImagesQueen Rania of Jordan
"In a world that can often feel heartless, Pope Francis always had love to spare — for the less fortunate, refugee families, and children in war zones, in Gaza and around the world. Humanity has lost an invaluable champion for peace and compassion today. May he rest in peace."
King Abdullah II of Jordan
"Deepest condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Pope Francis was admired by all as the Pope of the People. He brought people together, leading with kindness, humility, and compassion. His legacy will live on in his good deeds and teachings."
© Michael Campanella/Getty ImagesKing Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
Translated to English, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden's message read: “The Queen and I remember Pope Francis with great respect and warmth.By virtue of his natural charisma, deep humility and his unwavering defense of human dignity, the Pope was a significant leader.Many in our country particularly appreciated Pope Francis’ historic visit to Lund almost ten years ago. We remember with warmth the ecumenical service when Lutherans and Catholics gathered under the arches of the cathedral to leave historical conflicts behind in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding.The Pope also received the Queen in the Vatican several times to jointly shed light on the many injustices that the world’s children are forced to endure. On this day, we look back with gratitude on the Pope’s commitment to the world’s vulnerable.Our thoughts go out to Catholics all over the world who have lost a great leader and role model.”
Princess Madeleine of Sweden
"Dear Pope Francis, thank you for the compassion and courage you showed in defending vulnerable and exploited children. Your voice gave hope to those who felt invisible, and your actions helped bring safety, dignity, and love to so many who had known only pain. I will always be grateful for the light you brought into the lives of the most forgotten. Your kindness and courage will always be remembered 🕊️My family and I will always cherish the memory of meeting you."
© Vatican Pool/Getty ImagesKing Felipe of Spain
Translated to English, King Felipe of Spain wrote: "Most Reverend Eminence: Upon receiving, with profound sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to convey to you, on behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Spain, our deepest condolences. Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance of love of neighbor, fraternity, and social friendship for the world of our century. We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction of the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he placed on dialogue and consensus to achieve a more just and united world. In the midst of our sorrow for his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me in conveying to the entire Catholic Church our condolences and affection, as well as our prayers for his eternal rest. Please accept, Most Reverend Eminence, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem."
King Charles
"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. 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."
