Pope Leo XIV has offered prayers for the eternal rest of King Harald V following the Norwegian monarch’s death Friday morning, joining Catholics and citizens across Norway in mourning a king remembered for decades of service to his country.
According to Vatican News, King Harald died at 6:35 a.m. at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet. He had been taken to the national hospital the previous week for treatment of a serious blood disorder.
Harald had reigned for more than 35 years and was Norway’s longest-reigning monarch since King Haakon VII. Following his death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
Pope Leo sent a telegram of condolence to the new king only hours after Harald’s death, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father expressed his sadness at the news and extended his “heartfelt condolences” to King Haakon VIII, the royal family and the Norwegian people.
“Mindful of his many years of devoted service to the realm, which I hope will continue to bear fruit,” Pope Leo said, “I offer the assurance of my prayers for the eternal rest of the late King.”
The Pope also invoked God’s blessings of consolation and peace upon Norway and all those mourning the king’s death.
Catholic leaders in Norway joined the Holy Father in prayer and remembrance.
Bishop Eric Varden of Trondheim, who also serves as Apostolic Administrator of Tromsø, commended the late king to God’s mercy and reflected on the relationship Harald had developed with the Norwegian people throughout his long reign.
According to Vatican News, Bishop Varden said that with “reverence and gratitude we commend him to God’s loving mercy.”
The bishop described Harald as a monarch who “embodied the nation” in an “exemplary manner.”
“We were aware that he saw us, knew us, valued us,” Bishop Varden said. “We knew his care, were embraced by the warmth he exuded. He gave us a magnificent example of dedication.”
Varden also emphasized the king’s devotion to those he served.
“He was so entirely our king, given to his people,” the bishop said. “No ego seemed to stand in the way. That brought him near to us in a wholly beneficent way.”
As Norway enters a new chapter under King Haakon VIII, the country’s Catholic community is joining in prayer for the late monarch, his grieving family and the new king.
For Catholics, the death of a national leader is also an occasion to entrust the deceased to the mercy of God. As Norway mourns the passing of a king who served for more than three decades, Pope Leo’s message places that loss within the Christian hope of eternal life, offering prayers for Harald’s eternal rest and asking God to bring consolation and peace to those he leaves behind.
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