Prince Albert of Monaco Reacts to Pope Francis’ Death with ‘Deep Sorrow’

Prince Albert II of Monaco has reacted with sadness and sorrow on hearing of the Pope’s death yesterday.

The Prince said in a statement on Easter Monday (21 April 2025): “It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we learned of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis on this Easter Monday.”

On behalf of his family and the Principality, the Prince expressed “our deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and all the faithful with whom we share a great sorrow.”

He said: “In this time of pain and mourning, we keep in mind and in our hearts the apostolic blessings which the Holy Father lavishly bestowed upon us during his Pontificate and fervently pray for the repose of his soul.”

The Pope, who died yesterday morning from a stroke after suffering from a lung infection earlier in the year, was renowned for his compassion and the importance he placed on care and consideration for the marginalised.

Prince Albert said: “May his unrelenting message of love, brotherhood, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and commitments to the service of the common good and radiate upon a world he will leave his mark on. With profound gratitude, we pay tribute to the very great servant of mankind who has just left us.”

Pope Francis’ meeting with the reigning Monaco Royals took place in the Apostolic Library on Wednesday, and according to a Holy See Press Office statement lasted about 25 minutes.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene met with Pope Francis in 2022 when they engaged in conversation for about 25 minutes, and exchanged gifts, according to the Vatican.

“During the private audience, the Pope presented the couple with a bronze depiction of a child helping another child get up from the ground with the words “love” and “help” etched on either side of the figures,” said the Vatican.