At this time, we pray for the repose of the soul of Queen Elizabeth. We do so with confidence, because the Christian faith marked every day of her life and activity.

In her Millennium Christmas message, she said, “To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”

This faith, so often and so eloquently proclaimed in her public messages, has been an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many. The wisdom, stability and service which she consistently embodied, often in circumstances of extreme difficulty, are a shining legacy and testament to her faith.

Pope Francis said “I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service… her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises.”

Our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip. May she now rest in peace.