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.

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.”

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”.

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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.”