Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences this Friday, August 28, for the death of King Harald V of Norway, who passed away at the age of 89 at the Rikshospitalet University Hospital in Oslo. In a telegram addressed to his son and successor, Haakon VIII, the Pontiff assured his prayers for the eternal rest of the monarch and recalled his years of service to the country.
The Norwegian Royal House announced that Harald V died «peacefully» at 6:35 a.m. this Friday. The king had been hospitalized and his health had worsened in recent days. On August 23, the Royal House reported that he was receiving antibiotic treatment for a bacterial infection in the blood, and on Thursday, it announced that his condition was «very serious.»
Harald V had occupied the throne since January 17, 1991, when he succeeded his father, Olav V. For more than 35 years, he carried out the constitutional and representative duties of the Norwegian Crown and maintained as his motto «Everything for Norway,» inherited from his father and his grandfather, Haakon VII.
Following the announcement of his death, the Holy See Press Office released the telegram sent by Leo XIV to the new King of Norway.
Full Telegram from Leo XIV:
TO HIS MAJESTY KING HAAKON VIII
KING OF NORWAY
ROYAL PALACE
OSLO
I was saddened to learn of the death of your father, King Harald V, and I send my deepest condolences to Your Majesty, the members of the Royal Family, and the entire nation.
Aware of his many years of dedicated service to the Kingdom, which I hope will continue to bear fruit, I assure my prayers for the eternal rest of the late King.
Upon the Norwegian people and all those who mourn his loss, I cordially invoke the blessings of comfort and peace from Almighty God.
LEO PP. XIV