Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco Attend the Funeral of Pope Francis

Yahoo

26-04-2025

Mourners have poured in from around the world to Vatican City today, where Pope Francis's funeral is being held in St. Peter's Square. Among their ranks are Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who have joined the many other royal representatives paying their respects to the late pontiff.
The couple, who are both Roman Catholics had previously announced three days of official mourning in remembrance of the pope, who they met with in 2013, 2016, and 2022. They were also in attendance at Francis's inaugural mass in 2013, making this final farewell particularly poignant.
Charlene converted prior to her marriage to Albert in 2011, in keeping with the state religion of Monaco, and is one of only seven women granted "the privilege of the white"—a permission given to Catholic queen, allowing them to wear a white lace veil in the pope's presence, as opposed to the black version required of most women. Today, of course, the princess wore a black version, as a sign of her mourning.
Following the news of the pope's passing, Albert shared a tribute on social media, writing, 'Particularly moved, my family, myself and the Principality would like to express our deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and all the faithful with whom we share a great sorrow.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.'
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas, presiding over the Roman Catholic church for nearly a decade, following his election in 2013. He passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
After his funeral, Francis will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) basilica in Rome, a final break in tradition from the historic pontiff. Most popes are laid to rest in St. Peter's Basilica, but Francis chose Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place to reflect 'his veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary that is located there, the Salus populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome),' per the Associated Press.
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