The King has sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, congratulating him on his election, Buckingham Palace has said. His Majesty sent “most sincere good wishes for his pontificate” on behalf of both himself and the Queen. Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, was elected on Thursday as the 267th pontiff and Bishop of Rome.

King Charles extended good wishes to the new Pope in personal message after mourning the loss of Pope Francis. According to media reports, the monarch and his wife, Queen

Last month, the monarch and Queen Camilla met with the late Pope Francis while visiting Rome. On Friday, the royal couple sent their “most sincere good wishes” to the newly elected pontiff.