On the morning of August 28, King Harald V of Norway died in Oslo at the age of 89; on the throne since 1991, he had been hospitalized since August 17 for a blood illness. Pope Leo XIV sends a telegram of condolence addressed to the new sovereign, King Haakon VIII, son of the late king: he expresses his sadness at the news of the death, sends heartfelt condolences to the King, the Royal Family and the whole nation, recalls Harald V's many years of devoted service to the realm, assures his prayers for the eternal rest of the late King and invokes upon the Norwegian people and all who mourn his loss Almighty God's blessings of consolation and peace.