King Harald V of Norway passed away early Friday morning at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at the age of 87, following a week-long hospitalization for a serious blood disorder. His passing marks the end of a remarkable reign spanning more than 35 years, making him the longest-reigning Norwegian monarch since his grandfather, King Haakon VII. Upon his death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately succeeded to the throne as King Haakon VIII.
Following the announcement, Pope Leo XIV sent a formal telegram of condolence to King Haakon VIII, offering his prayers for the royal family and the people of Norway. Reflecting on the late monarch’s legacy, the Pope expressed deep appreciation for King Harald’s decades of “devoted service to the realm” and offered prayers for his eternal rest, invoking God’s blessings of peace and consolation upon the nation during this period of loss.
Tributes also poured in from local Catholic leadership, with Bishop Eric Varden of Trondheim and Apostolic Administrator of Tromsø commending the late King to God’s mercy. Bishop Varden praised Harald V for exemplary leadership, noting that he embodied the spirit of the nation with deep personal care, humility, and dedication. Reassuring the public of ongoing prayers from Norway’s Catholic community, the Bishop remembered King Harald as a monarch who truly saw, valued, and embraced his people.