On 21 April, 2025, the Christian world mourned and grieved the passing of Pope Francis. The former Argentinian cardinal was respected for his humble and modernized approach to traditions, foregoing certain age-old Vatican traditions. The Vatican confirmed his passing was due to an extended respiratory illness which subsequently led to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
The funeral procession of Pope Francis took place in the morning of the 26th April, in Vatican City. Pope Francis requested burial not in the Vatican, but in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. After the public funeral, mourners gathered outside Santa Maria Maggiore, and they laid Pope Francis to rest in a simple tomb near an icon of the Madonna he revered. The legacy of Pope Francis defined compassion, philanthropy, and advocacy for action on climate change.
World leaders, including President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, gathered in the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pope. However, a notable absence at the proceedings was that of King Charles III. Instead, his son, Prince William, represented the British royal family at the historic funeral. King Charles III cannot attend the Pope’s funeral because longstanding British royal traditions and protocol bar the reigning monarch from attending funerals.
The Passing of Pope Francis and the Royal Response
Pope Francis, revered as the 266th head of the Catholic Church, passed away at age 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure. His legacy includes tireless advocacy for the marginalized, a strong stance on environmental advocacy, and efforts to unite people of faith worldwide. In the wake of his passing, King Charles III and Camilla issued a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing the Pope’s compassion and commitment to the common good.
King Charles wrote that people will remember His Holiness for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church, and his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, as well as to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.”
Charles and Queen Camilla had recently visited Pope Francis at the Vatican, exchanging gifts and receiving the Pope’s blessing on their 20th wedding anniversary. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for a better world.
Read More: In His Last Moments, Pope Francis Made One Final, Touching Gesture to a Nurse
The Royal Protocol
Despite the close relationship between King Charles and Pope Francis, royal protocol strictly prohibits the reigning British monarch from attending funerals, including that of the Pope. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, “protocol and precedence dictate that the Sovereign does not attend funerals”. For example, Queen Elizabeth II never attended a pope’s funeral during her reign. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, then-Prince Charles attended the funeral on her behalf.
To maintain royal tradition, Prince William will be representing the monarch at significant funerals abroad going forward or until he succeeds King Charles. Royal commentator Hugo Vickers explained that “It’s all about protocol. The Pope did not attend the Queen’s funeral, and Prince Charles was present at the last…Pope John Paul II’s funeral. It’s entirely appropriate for the Prince of Wales to represent the monarchy, so I’m not surprised at all… The King typically does not attend such funerals.”
Making Exceptions
There has been some speculation and curiosity as to why the British monarch did not make an exception for the Pope’s funeral. Given King Charles’ personal rapport with Pope Francis, many assume that such a significant event might have warranted an exception. The monarchy follows protocol to preserve impartiality and continuity.
The King, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England-a church that split from the Catholic Church in 1534-must also navigate traditions and respect traditional boundaries. Additionally, King Charles’ ongoing cancer treatment has necessitated a careful management of his public duties, though the decision to abstain from the funeral was based on protocol, not health.
Keeping with traditions
The passing of Pope Francis marked a profound moment of reflection and mourning across the Christian world and globally. King Charles III’s heartfelt tribute emphasized the deep respect and admiration he held for the late pontiff’s compassion, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy. Despite their close relationship and shared values, King Charles adhered to the strict royal protocol.
The British monarch’s traditions bar reigning monarchs from attending funerals, maintaining the dignity and impartiality of the Crown. This protocol, as royal expert Katie Nicholl explains, ensures respect and maintenance of an amicable relationship between the Church of England and the Catholic Church, which have been separate since 1534.
Prince William’s attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral symbolized the royal family’s commitment to honoring the late Pope while respecting and observing the customs. As royal commentator Hugo Vickers notes, William’s role as representative was both appropriate and necessary, especially as he increasingly takes on duties amid King Charles’ health challenges.
Read More: New Trump Store Item Raises Eyebrows Over Possible Constitutional Violation
