Pope Leo XIV has given his “heartfelt condolences” to Norway’s new king following the death of King Harald V. The Crown Prince, now King Haakon VIII, assumed the throne following the death of his father on 28 August.
The Holy Father said that he was mindful of King Harald’s “many years of devoted service to the realm,” which he hoped would “continue to bear fruit”. “I offer the assurance of my prayers for the eternal rest of the late King,” he said.
King Harald died early on Friday at the Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, where he was being treated for a rare heart condition. As Crown Prince, his son assumed more royal duties and responsibilities during periods of the king’s ill health.
