Pope Francis praised the late Prince Philip for his commitment to marriage and a life of public service.
In a telegram sent by the Vatican Secretary of State and announced on Saturday, Francis said he was “saddened” to learn of Philip’s death on Friday at the age of 99.
He also expressed “heartfelt condolences” to Queen Elizabeth II on the loss of her 73-year-old husband.
“In remembrance of Prince Philip’s devotion to his marriage and family, his distinguished record of public service, and his devotion to the education and advancement of future generations, his holiness commands him to the merciful love of Christ, our Savior,” reads the telegram which was sent in the pope name.
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Pope Francis delivers his Urbi et Orbi blessing after the celebration of the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Sunday 4 April 2021 during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
(Filippo Monteforte / Pool photo via AP)
“On you and on all who mourn his loss in the firm hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father calls on the Lord’s blessings of comfort and peace,” the message concluded.
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who spent his wife more than seven decades in a role that mostly defined his life, passed away on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.
“It is with deep sadness that Her Majesty the Queen announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle this morning,” the statement read.
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In this file photo on 20 November 1947, British Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, wave to the crowd on their wedding day from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London.
(AP)
Philip and the Queen had been married for 73 years. During the exclusion of England’s coronavirus, he stayed at Windsor Castle, west of London, with the 94-year-old reigning king.
On February 16, Philip was admitted to a London hospital after feeling unwell. On March 3, he underwent a procedure for an existing heart condition in the St. Bartholomew’s Hospital before being transferred to King Edward VII Hospital on 5 March and finally released on 16 March.
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He is the longest reigning king in British history. He and the queen have four children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.