The leader of the world’s Roman Catholics died aged 88 just a day after appearing to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday.
He had recently resumed some official duties earlier this month during his recovery from pneumonia.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales said the pontiff’s death “brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general”.
Mr Nichols, who is the Archbishop of Westminster, said: “A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.”
Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St Peter’s Basilica to bestow the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and to the world) blessing at the end of the Easter mass on Sunday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
The King said he and the Queen were “most deeply saddened” to learn of the Pope’s death and “were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month”.
Charles and Camilla visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day the royal couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
In a statement on Monday, Charles said: “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 mo...
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