On 28 July 2017, President of the Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, issued this statement following the death of Charlie Gard:
“I am deeply saddened by the news that little Charlie Gard has now died. I offer my sincere and profound condolences to his parents who have treasured him with such a strong and undiminished love.
“I assure them of my prayers and those of the Catholic community. We pray that our heavenly Father, who most certainly welcomes the soul of their beloved son into heaven, will comfort and strengthen them and all their family and friends.
“I also offer my support and sympathies to the staff of Great Ormond Street Hospital who have cared for Charlie during all these long months of his short life.
“Having visited the hospital recently, I know the unstinting and outstanding professionalism and resources offered to every young patient and family in this remarkable Hospital. They too will bear keenly the sorrow of the death of Charlie Gard.
“May he rest in peace.”
