Pope ‘deeply saddened’ over death of Queen Elizabeth II

ANKARA

Pope Francis on Thursday offered his condolences over the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.


“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 in a telegram.


Pope said he joins everyone “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.”


He also prayed for “her noble soul.”

Britain's longest-serving monarch Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96.


"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," said Buckingham Palace, adding: "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."