Pope Francis praised the legacy of Queen Elizabeth as he sent condolences to her son, now King Charles III.
In a message to the king, the Pope said he was "deeply saddened" at the death of the 96-year-old monarch. He spoke of her "noble soul" and her "unstinting service" as well as her "example of devotion to duty." He also noted her hope in Jesus' promises.
Here is the full text of his message:
My accountability before God
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, and the current president of the bishops' council of England and Wales, called for prayer for the repose of her soul.
Prayers for her soul
The bishops' conference provided a number of prayers, including a prayer for the repose of her soul and a prayer for the king:
For the happy repose of HM The Queen
Almighty God,
You are the author and sustainer of all human life;
grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen,
whom you granted a long and happy reign as Monarch of these lands
may be forgiven her sins and rewarded with that eternal life
promised to all those born again
in the water of baptism and power of your Spirit.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, forever and ever,
Amen.
Eternal rest, grant to her O Lord,
And let Perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
