Charlie Gard Celebrities send tributes to parents

Charlie Gard Celebrities send tributes to parents



Pope Francis has led tributes to baby Charlie Gard after he died earlier tonight.

As thousands of people took to social media to pay their respects, the Pope wrote that he entrusted 'little Charlie to the Father' and prayed for 'his parents and all those who loved him'.

Pope Francis became involved in the case on July 2 when he called for the couple to be allowed to 'accompany and treat their child until the end'.

He said then that he had been following Charlie's struggle with 'affection and sadness'.



The Pope later tweeted: 'To defend human life, above all when it is wounded by illness, is a duty of love that God entrusts to all.'  

On July 4 Mariella Enoc, president of the Vatican's Bambino Gesu hospital, offered to take Charlie in for treatment.

She said the clinic had reached out to Great Ormond Street Hospital about taking over care for the boy.

Enoc said in a statement at the time: 'We know that it is a desperate case and that there are no effective therapies.



'We are close to the parents in prayer and, if this is their desire, willing to take their child, for the time he has left to live.'

Charlie's case became a focal point for many religious groups.

Pro-life US Christian pastor Patrick Mahoney was one of many to take on the cause.

He flew to London and began leading public prayers outside of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Politicians and celebrities from around the world added their condolences.

Earlier today Vice President Pence wrote that he was 'saddened' to hear of Charlie's death.

He added: 'Karen [Mr Pence's wife] & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time'.

President Donald Trump had tweeted his support earlier this month, writing: 'If we can help little #CharlieGard, as per our friends in the U.K. and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so.'

Onetime boxing champion Frank Bruno, meanwhile, said his thoughts are with Charlie's family.

He tweeted: 'This has been a very difficult journey and no one will hurt more than his parents'.        



Former UKIP leader NIgel Farage wrote that he was 'desperately sorry' for Charlie's parents.

Other public figures offering their condolences included X Factor winner Sam Bailey, commentator Piers Morgan and former Manchester United footballer Paul McGrath.

Paul McGrath called Charlie a 'little fighter', while Pier Morgan said he was a 'brave little boy who touched the world'.

Sam Bailey called him a 'precious little prince'.