Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip present gifts to Pope Francis at the Vatican, 3 April 2014. (Photo by STEFANO RELLANDINI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
-- Rome -- Pope Francis expressed condolences to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday, after her husband, Prince Philip, passed away on Friday. The Holy Father promised prayers for Prince Philip's repose, and for the consolation of Her Majesty and all who loved him. "Saddened to learn of the death of your husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," reads the telegram from Pope Francis, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, "His Holiness Pope Francis offers heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty and the members of the Royal Family." Pope Francis's message recalled Prince Philip’s "devotion to his marriage and family, his distinguished record of public service and his commitment to the education and advancement of future generations." "His Holiness," the message concludes, "commends him to the merciful love of Christ our Redeemer," and invokes "the Lord's blessings of consolation and peace" upon Her Majesty "and upon all who grieve his loss in the sure hope of the Resurrection."
