THE Pope has expressed his deep sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the new King.

In a telegram, Pope Francis wrote: “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.

“I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that Almighty God will sustain you with his unfailing grace as you now take up your high responsibilities as King. Upon you and all who cherish the memory of your late mother, I invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord.”

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, also paid tribute to the late Queen. “Even in my sorrow, shared with so many around the world, I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for the gift to the world that has been the life of Queen Elizabeth II,” he said on Friday. “At this time, we pray for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty. We do so with confidence, because the Christian faith marked every day of her life and activity.”

He continued: “This faith, so often and so eloquently proclaimed in her public messages, has been an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many. The wisdom, stability, and service which she consistently embodied, often in circumstances of extreme difficulty, are a shining legacy and testament to her faith.”

The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Graham Thompson and Anthony Boateng, said in a joint statement: “The loyalty to, and love expressed for, Queen Elizabeth across the world is a testament to the life that she led, one marked by dedicated service to others. She provided encouragement and reassurance to a world living through uncertain times.

“For people of all ages the Queen has provided constancy, a calm and wise influence at all levels of society. Our nation, the Commonwealth and the world have been greatly blessed by her life and work. . .

“The prayers of the Methodist people are also offered for His Majesty the King in his new role.”

The Coptic Orthodox Archbishop Angaelos of London, spoke of the late Queen’s “unfailing commitment to and support for members of the Church worldwide, and her gracious support of the ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church here in the United Kingdom”.

He continued: “Her Majesty has received His Holiness the late Pope Shenouda III, and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, both historic moments that will be cherished by all within the Coptic Orthodox Church worldwide.

“It is deeply moving to see how Her Majesty’s Christian faith was central to her service and ministry, and absolutely core to her being, and that love extended to members of all faiths and none which is truly inspiring.”

The General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, said that the late Queen had “lived the most remarkable life of dedicated Christian service”, and that “her faith shone from her words and deeds”.

He continued: “Her contribution to the life of our nations, the Commonwealth, and beyond will be remembered with gratitude for generations to come. She inspired respect from across the political spectrum and from monarchists and republicans alike.

“The United Reformed Church has always been aware that, as each General Assembly presents a loyal address to the throne, we have been addressing a fellow baptised sister in Christ. We give thanks for her life and uphold in prayer all who mourn for her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, Fr Damian Howard, said: “No one could fail to be impressed by Her Majesty’s faithful and selfless dedication to public service. Her Christian faith, about which she spoke so eloquently in the latter years of her reign, was central to her understanding of her role as Head of State. The strength she found in Christ helped to hold the people of this country together in a surprisingly humble way. The Jesuits pray for her in death as they did during her life. May she rest in peace.”