Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain made an appearance with His Majesty's mother, Queen Sofia, on Tuesday. Dressed in black, the Spanish royals visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid, where they signed a book of condolence for Pope Francis. Casa de S.M. el Rey noted that the visit reflects "the close ties between the Spanish Crown and the Holy See, as well as the respect and admiration for the figure of Pope Francis."
Over a year after His Holiness became the 266th pope, Letizia and Felipe had a private audience with Pope Francis in June 2014 in Vatican City. Queen Sofia, along with her husband King Juan Carlos I, also met with the pope earlier that year.
Pope Francis.died at the age of 88 on Monday (April 21). The pontiff died of a stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced Pope Francis' death, saying: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love the One and Triune God."
Following the news of Pope Francis' passing, King Felipe sent a telegram to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, expressing his condolences.
"Most Reverend Eminence: Upon receiving, with profound sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to convey to you, on behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Spain, our deepest condolences," the King wrote (translated to English). "Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance of love of neighbor, fraternity, and social friendship for the world of our century."
"We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction of the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he placed on dialogue and consensus to achieve a more just and united world," Felipe continued. "In the midst of our sorrow for his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me in conveying to the entire Catholic Church our condolences and affection, as well as our prayers for his eternal rest. Please accept, Most Reverend Eminence, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem."