King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain made a heartfelt visit to the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
The royal couple arrived dressed in black, a symbol of mourning, alongside Felipe’s mother, Queen Sofia, 86. The three royals greeted each other warmly before entering the building to sign the book of condolences for the late pontiff.
In his message, King Felipe wrote: “Our most heartfelt condolences to the figure and personality of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who transcends the ecclesiastical dimension; and our total admiration and respect for his total dedication to the evangelical task until the last breath of his life.”
Felipe, 57, and Letizia, 52, had previously met Pope Francis in 2014, a year after he became pontiff.
Continued Mourning and Official Engagements
Later that day, the Spanish royals, still in mourning, hosted an official lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid to celebrate the Miguel De Cervantes award.
This visit to the Apostolic Nunciature came after King Felipe sent a deeply touching message of condolence to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals, following Pope Francis’ death.
Felipe’s message read: “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.”
Felipe added: “We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction in the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he placed on dialogue and consensus in achieving a more just and united world.
“In light of our grief over 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.”
