World leaders and King Charles have paid tribute to former Pope Benedict XVI after his death at the age of 95.
The Vatican has announced that the former pontiff – who was the first to step down in some 600 years – died on Saturday morning.
Pope Francis, who succeeded Benedict in 2013, described him as “kind” and “noble”, adding that he felt “gratitude to God for gifting him to the Church and to the world”. .
As tributes poured in from around the world, mourners paid their respects in Benedict XVI’s homeland of Bavaria, Germany.
The former pope was hailed as ‘one of the greatest theologians of his time’ after being given the nickname “God’s Rottweiler” during his lifetime for his uncompromisingly conservative views.
In a message to Pope Francis following the death of his predecessor, the king said he received the news “with deep sadness”.
Charles talked about dating Benedict at the Vatican in 2009 and the following year when he became the second pope in history to visit the UK.
During the trip, Benedict met Queen Elizabeth II in Edinburgh and gave a speech at Westminster Hall.
Charles said he recalled the “constant efforts of the former pope to promote peace and goodwill towards all, and to strengthen the relationship between the worldwide Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Benedict XVI as a “great theologian” whose visit to the UK was “a historic moment for Catholics and non-Catholics across our country”.
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also tweeted a tribute, saying Benedict’s state visit was a “historic and joyous moment for Catholics in Britain”.
Benedict met Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the UK in 2010
“A fighting personality”
US President Joe Biden said he was “privileged to spend time with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in 2011 and will always be remembered for his generosity and hospitality and our meaningful conversation.”
“He will be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a life of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and his faith,” Mr. Biden added.
“May his focus on the ministry of charity continue to be an inspiration to us all.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said Benedict XVI had “worked with all his soul and all his intelligence for a more fraternal world”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to the former pontiff, who served as Germany’s first pope in centuries after his election in 2005.
Tributes pour in for former pope – latest updates
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The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI
Mr Scholz said “the world is losing a formative figure in the Catholic Church, a combative personality and a wise theologian.”
In a statement in honor of Benedict XVI, Irish President Michael D Higgins said: “In this time of renewed war on our continent and in so many parts of the world, he will be remembered for his tireless efforts to find a common path in the promotion of peace. and goodwill across the world, including an abiding interest in peace in Northern Ireland.”
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar added: “Head of the Catholic Church for almost a decade, the son of a policeman and a cook, the first German elected pope in a thousand years, he was ultimately a “ humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard”. ‘.”
Benoît pictured during his summer vacation in Italy in 2010. Photo: AP
Benoît’s body will be exposed
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales hailed Benedict as “one of the great theologians of the 20th century”.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “I remember with particular fondness the remarkable papal visit to these lands in 2010. We saw his courtesy, his gentleness, the insight of his mind and the openness of his welcome to all those whom he met.”
Benedict with his successor Pope Francis in 2016
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also described Benedict as “one of the greatest theologians of his time”.
He said: “In 2013, Pope Benedict made the courageous and humble decision to resign from the papacy, the first pope to do so since the 15th century. By making this choice freely, he recognized the human frailty that affects us all.
“In his retirement in Rome he led a life of prayer and now he has gone to the eternal rest granted by the Father.”
The Vatican said Benedict XVI’s body would be on display in St. Peter’s Basilica from Monday.
Pope Francis will preside over Benedict’s funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday – an unprecedented event in which a current pope will celebrate the life of his predecessor.
