Keir Starmer and King Charles pay tribute to Pope Francis
Leaders from across the UK including the Prime Minister and King Charles have been paying tribute to Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88.
He was selected to serve as pontiff in 2013 and was the first to choose the name Francis. He went on to influence millions and met with many of the civil and political leaders of the UK.
King Charles, who met with Pope Francis earlier this month, led tributes from UK leaders, calling the pope a “faithful follower of Jesus Christ”.
Pope dies latest: King leads tributes from around the world
He said: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
Pope Francis met with King Charles and Queen Camilla during a private audience at the Vatican earlier this month. Pic: Reuters
The King continued: “The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
Sir Keir Starmer has also paid tribute to the pontiff and said he joined “millions around the world in grieving” his death.
The Prime Minister added: “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and he church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.
“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.
“That hope was at the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
He added: “With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
“My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church.
“May His Holiness Rest in Peace.”
Pope Francis waves at the end of the Palm Sunday mass at Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican in 2016. Pic: Reuters
He spent his “final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to”, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said.
The Leader of the Opposition added that Pope Francis was “a quiet presence at a time when the world needed humility, courage and conviction.”
She wrote: “His death on Easter Monday feels especially poignant. He reminded us that leadership isn’t about power, but about service.
Ms Badenoch, whose husband is Catholic, added: “When I met him in 2022, he spoke warmly of the UK and the values we share.
“In a world that too often turns away from faith, he stood firm. May he rest in peace.”
Sir Ed Davey called the pope’s passing a “profound loss to millions across the world”.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: “He was a leader of compassion and courage, speaking up for those in need and calling for peace in a world too often divided.
“His influence reached far beyond the Church. He offered hope by reminding us of strength in kindness and faith.
“We should remember his example: stand up for what’s right, care for others, and hold onto compassion and hope.”
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, remarked that he met Pope Francis and “liked him very much”.
He said his “sympathies go out to all in the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis”.
Read more from Sky News:
Pope Francis obit: A pope of firsts
Who could be the next pope?
Analysis: The Pope’s legacy in charts and numbers
Tributes were also paid to the pope from the leaders of the UK’s devolved administrations.
John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, said it was with “deep sadness” that he heard the news of the pope’s passing.
“He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society”, the SNP leader said.
“He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many. May he rest in peace”, Mr Swinney concluded.
In Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis this morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our Catholic community in Wales and around the world at this very difficult time.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, also paid tribute to the pope.
He said: “Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity – Christian and non-Christian alike.”
Standard Chartered-backed Zodia Custody has exited its Japan venture with SBI Holdings after two years, with both firms calling the move a strategic realignment.
MPs are demanding Peter Mandelson appears on British soil to give evidence on his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
But there is frustration within parliament at Lord Mandelson’s ability to avoid scrutiny, as Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to sack him as ambassador to the US over his links to the deceased billionaire.
It comes after it emerged the Labour peer, who has said he wishes he had never met Epstein, had written him a 2003 birthday note in which he described him as his “best pal”.
According to reports in Bloomberg and The Sun, he also sent Epstein messages of support while he was being investigated for sex offences, telling him he was “following you closely and here whenever you need”.
Politics Hub: Follow the latest from Westminster
Sky News has learned that the powerful Foreign Affairs Select Committee of MPs made a request to hear from Lord Mandelson after he was appointed by Sir Keir last year, but this was blocked by the Foreign Office.
Lord Mandelson‘s status as a member of the House of Lords means the committee cannot force him to appear before them. People overseas can also not be compelled to give evidence.
Committees have the power to summon people to give evidence and find them in contempt of parliament if they do not comply.
Lord Mandelson’s failure to appear adds to the controversy around a lack of government transparency sparked by the decision to not let national security adviser Jonathan Powell give evidence to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.
Mike Tapp, the Home Office minister, told Sky News that it is “important we have full answers” on Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
Asked if he should face the scrutiny of parliamentary committees, Mr Tapp said: “What is important to me, and I’m really clear on this, is we do have the full answers on this.
“But Sir Keir Starmer has been clear yesterday in the House that all of the answers are there.”
Conservative MP and FAC member Aphra Brandreth is the only person on the committee to publicly call for Lord Mandelson to give them evidence on the ambassador’s links to Epstein.
Sky News understands that others on the committee are keen for Lord Mandelson to speak to them, but have decided not to go public. As the committee make-up mirrors that of parliament, most members are Labour MPs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Beth’s breakdown: PM grilled over Mandelson
Read more on Mandelson:
Starmer backs his ambassador
What was his relationship with Epstein?
The disconnect between his claims and letters to Epstein
Ms Brandreth said in a statement: “At a time of huge instability around the globe, it’s vital that the UK’s ambassador to the US is focused completely on his job
“As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I would welcome the opportunity to question Lord Mandelson on his ability to carry out his duties to the UK.”
She shared a letter written by fellow Tory MP and former Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair Alicia Kearns.
In the letter, Ms Kearns called on current chair Dame Emily Thornberry to summon Lord Mandelson, question him and put the concerns of MPs to him.
Ms Kearns also wants to know what questions Dame Emily has asked the Foreign Office since the appointment of Lord Mandelson, and to find out “how substantial” his relationship with Epstein was.
Ms Kearns told Sky News: “Months and months have passed with no action from the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, instead, there has been an unsettling silence from her on all things Mandelson.
“I would have summoned Mandelson long ago, it’s the chair’s duty to get the answers parliament deserves. It’s all too evident Thornberry has long been focused on her next role, not the one she’s been elected and paid to do.”
In January, Dame Emily raised Lord Mandelson’s appointment with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty.
She said the appointment was “inspired” – before asking the minister and government to “allow Lord Mandelson the time to come before my committee before he leaves for the United States”.
Mr Doughty said: “I am sure that we will consider any request that my right honourable friend makes in due course in the normal way in which we consider requests from her committee.”
The FCDO has been approached for comment.
Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates reports that the lead civil servant in the Foreign Office, Ollie Robbins, has written to Lord Mandelson to ask a series of questions.
These questions include: When did you last meet Jeffrey Epstein before he took his own life? When did you last accept hospitality? What were your last business dealings with?
It is not known if Lord Mandelson will respond.
👉 Follow Trump100 on your podcast app 👈
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Will Lord Mandelson have to be replaced in US?
Meanwhile, Labour MPs Andy McDonald, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Kim Johnson have called for Sir Keir to sack Lord Mandelson.
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, also urged the prime minister to remove Lord Mandelson without further delay – warning his “reputation is now on the line”.
But a source within diplomatic circles who has known Lord Mandelson told Sky News correspondent Rhiannon Mills they believe the US ambassador “can ride it out”.
“Unless there is worse to come, if he can stomach the attention, he can ride it out. In the UK residence in Washington, with its grounds and security, it is easy to hide away,” the source said.
“The most important part of Mandelson’s role as ambassador is his relationship with the US administration, they will not be the least bit fussed about this. They have bigger problems.
“This isn’t going to be a big story in the States as the focus is on Trump and dozens of other prominent American figures. The US press have lots of other fish to chase”.
MPs are demanding Peter Mandelson appears on British soil to give evidence on his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
But there is frustration within parliament at Lord Mandelson’s ability to avoid scrutiny, as Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to sack him as ambassador to the US over his links to the deceased billionaire.
It comes after it emerged the Labour peer – who has said he wishes he’d never met Epstein – had written him a 2003 birthday note in which he described him as his “best pal”.
According to reports in Bloomberg and The Sun, he also sent Epstein messages of support while he was being investigated for sex offences, telling him he was “following you closely and here whenever you need”.
Politics Hub: Follow the latest from Westminster
Sky News has learned that the powerful Foreign Affairs Select Committee of MPs made a request to hear from Lord Mandelson after he was appointed by Sir Keir last year, but this was blocked by the Foreign Office.
Lord Mandelson‘s status as a member of the House of Lords means the committee cannot force him to appear before them. People overseas can also not be compelled to give evidence.
Committees have the power to summon people to give evidence, and find them in contempt of parliament if they do not comply.
Lord Mandelson’s failure to appear adds to the controversy around a lack of government transparency sparked by the decision to not let national security adviser Jonathan Powell give evidence to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.
Conservative MP and FAC member Aphra Brandreth is the only person on the committee to publicly call for Lord Mandelson to give them evidence on the ambassador’s links to Epstein.
Sky News understands that others on the committee are keen for Lord Mandelson to speak to them but have decided to not go public. As the committee make-up mirrors that of parliament, most members are Labour MPs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Beth’s breakdown: PM grilled over Mandelson
Read more on Mandelson:
Starmer backs his ambassador
What was his relationship with Epstein?
The disconnect between his claims and letters to Epstein
Ms Brandreth said in a statement: “At a time of huge instability around the globe, it’s vital that the UK’s ambassador to the US is focused completely on his job
“As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee I would welcome the opportunity to question Lord Mandelson on his ability to carry out his duties to the UK.”
She shared a letter written by fellow Tory MP and former Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair Alicia Kearns.
In the letter, Ms Kearns called on current chair Dame Emily Thornberry to summon Lord Mandelson, question him and put the concerns of MPs to him.
Ms Kearns also wants to know what questions Dame Emily has asked the Foreign Office since the appointment of Lord Mandelson, and to find out “how substantial” Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was.
Ms Kearns told Sky News: “Months and months have passed with no action from the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, instead there has been an unsettling silence from her on all things Mandelson.
“I would have summoned Mandelson long ago, it’s the chair’s duty to get the answers parliament deserves. It’s all too evident Thornberry has long been focused on her next role, not the one she’s been elected and paid to do.”
So far, there has been no response from Dame Emily, who took part in a hustings for her campaign to be the next Labour deputy leader on Wednesday night.
Some MPs on the committee are concerned this race has distracted Dame Emily from her role on the committee, though she looks unlikely to make it into the next round.
In January, Dame Emily raised Lord Mandelson’s appointment with Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty.
She said the appointment was “inspired” – before asking the minister and government to “allow Lord Mandelson the time to come before my Committee before he leaves for the United States”.
👉 Follow Trump100 on your podcast app 👈
Mr Doughty said: “I am sure that we will consider any request that my right honourable friend makes in due course in the normal way in which we consider requests from her Committee.”
The FCDO has been approached for comment.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment11 months agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024