The Archdiocese of Manila extended its condolences to the royal family of Britain for the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth for the loss of their Sovereign, Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II,” read a statement from Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila.
“We offer prayers for Her Majesty and her loved ones. Her passing leaves a void in our collective minds and hearts and marks the end of an era,” he added.
The Manila prelate said that during the reign of the queen, she “navigated the oftentimes tumultuous vicissitudes of history through sheer strength of character which is founded on her strong faith in God.”
Cardinal Advincula said Queen Elizabeth II left “an indelible mark on the English Monarchy and the world in general.”
“We also take this occasion to wish her successor, His Royal Highness, King Charles III, all the best as he takes on the mantle of father to his nation,” said the cardinal.
“Rest assured of our prayers as Your Majesty assumes the onus of the Crown,” he added.
The Episcopal Office on Women of the Philippine bishops’ conference has earlier described the queen as “a woman of faith.”
“She made Jesus the center of her life. She valued humanity,” said Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, head of the Episcopal Office on Women.
“She gained high respect and admiration of the many peoples in the world. Her power as a woman was not based on arms and wealth but on her character and values,” added the bishop.
Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, September 8 at her Scottish estate, was United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch.
She died at the age of 96, after reigning for 70 years. She met five popes during her reign, including Pope Francis.
The queen was known for her efforts to understand non-Christian religions and her acceptance of religious diversity.
