Vatican says Pope will not attend Queen’s funeral
Pope Francis will not attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London next week, instead sending his de-facto foreign minister, the Vatican said on Friday.
“The Most Reverend Paul Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organisations, will represent Pope Francis at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” it said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Pope Francis sent a message of condolence to Britain’s new head of state, King Charles III.
He said, “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 Queen, who celebrated the 70th year of her reign this year, passed away aged 96 on Thursday, September 8, at Balmoral.