Pope Francis to not attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, says Vatican

Pope Francis won’t attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London subsequent week. He will as a substitute ship his de-facto international minister.

Pope Francis won’t attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London subsequent week. (File picture/AFP)

Pope Francis won’t attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London subsequent week, as a substitute sending his de-facto international minister, the Vatican stated on Friday.

“The Most Reverend Paul Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organisations, will represent Pope Francis at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” it stated in a press release.

Earlier this week, Pope Francis despatched a message of condolence to Britain’s new head of state, King Charles III.

He stated, “Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

The Queen, who celebrated the seventieth 12 months of her reign this 12 months, handed away aged 96 on Thursday, September 8, at Balmoral.

— ENDS —