Pope John Paul II in 1980, 1982, and 2000. Queen Elizabeth II first met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican together with her late husband, Prince Philip, for an official state visit on Oct. 13, 1980.

Queen Elizabeth, who turned 96 in April, is England’s longest-serving monarch, having acceded to the throne in 1952 at age 25 after the death of her father, King George VI.

While millions bid final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II today, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales have commented on the death of Her Majesty. Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Catholic leaders from around the world are remembering Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at age 96, with many recalling her deep faith and praising her example of public service.

Though Catholic funeral rites could learn a great deal from the queen’s funeral, there was included a noteworthy Catholic presence. The first reading from 1 Corinthians — “O grave, where is ...

Former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and prominent commentator on faith and society Gavin Ashenden shares heartfelt insights ...