SW News: Pope Francis offered his condolences to King Charles III upon the demise of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch. The Pope said he joins everyone in “paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth.” Her Majesty the Queen passed away peacefully at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The Queen reigned for over 70 years celebrating her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year. Her eldest son and first in line to the throne Prince Charles has now become King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth Realms.

World leaders and dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden, former US President Barack Obama, English Cardinal Arthur Roche, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury also paid tributes to the late Queen.

President Macron remembered her as "a kind-hearted queen" who was "a friend of France". Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US presidents during her reign. Former US President Barack Obama said the Queen had "captivated the world" with a "reign defined by grace, elegance and a tireless work ethic".

US President Joe Biden - who first met Her Majesty 40 years ago - described her as "more than a monarch - she defined an era".

Former US President Donald Trump said he would "never forget Her Majesty's generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor". Another former president, George W Bush, reflected fondly on the time he spent having tea with Her Majesty and her corgis, describing her "great intellect, charm and wit".

Cardinal Nichols recalled the Queen's promise, on her 21st birthday, to devote her life to the service of her people.

"Now, seventy-five years later, we are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration," stated the Cardinal in a statement.

Archbishop Welby, in another statement, said, “It is with profound sadness that I join the nation, the Commonwealth, and the world in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen. My prayers are with The King and the Royal Family. May God draw near them and comfort them in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”