Benedict XVI: World leaders and King Charles pay tribute to former pope after his death aged 95 | World News

World leaders and King Charles have paid tribute to former Pope Benedict XVI after his death at the age of 95.

The Vatican announced the former pope – the first to resign in 600 years. He died on Saturday morning..

Pope Francis, who succeeded Benedict in 2013, called him “kind” and “great”, adding that he “thanked God for his gift to the Church and to the world”.

As tributes poured in from around the world, the former pope was hailed as “one of the greatest theologians of his age” after being given the title. “God’s Rottweiler” For his uncompromising conservative views during his lifetime.

In a message to Pope Francis following his predecessor’s death, the monarch said he received the news “with deep sadness”.

Charles spoke of the meeting. Benedict at the Vatican in 2009 and the following year when he became the second pope in history to visit Britain.

During the trip, Benedict met with Queen Elizabeth II in Edinburgh and gave a speech at Westminster Hall.

Charles said he recalled the former pope’s “constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill for all people and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church”.

Prime Minister Rishi Singh described Benedict as a “great theologian” whose visit to the UK was “a historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics in our country”.

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also tweeted tributes, saying Benedict’s official visit was “a historic and joyous moment for Catholics in Britain”.

‘A warrior figure’

US President Joe Biden said he was “privileged to spend time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome, as well as our meaningful conversations”.

“He will be remembered as a distinguished theologian, guided by his principles and faith, with a lifelong devotion to the Church,” Mr. Biden added.

“His focus on service ministry is an inspiration to us all.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said Benedict “worked with all his soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world”.

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz also paid tribute to the former pope, who became the first German pope in centuries after being elected in 2005.

Tribute to Former Pope – Latest Updates

“The world is losing a creative figure, a militant figure and a wise theologian of the Catholic Church,” Mr. Schulz said.

In a statement in Benedict’s honour, Irish President Michael D Higgins said: “At a time when war is returning to our continent and many parts of the world, he is to be commended for his tireless efforts to find common ground to promote peace. will be remembered for. and goodwill throughout the world, including an abiding interest in peace in Northern Ireland.”

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar added: “Having led the Catholic Church for almost a decade, the son of a police officer and a cook, the first German to be elected pope in a thousand years, he finally returned to the Lord’s vineyard. I was a humble worker.’

Benedict’s body lies in state.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales called Benedict “one of the great theologians of the 20th century”.

Cardinal Vincent Nicholls said: “I remember with particular fondness the remarkable papal visit to these lands in 2010. We saw his courtesy, his gentleness, his understanding of mind and the openness of his reception which They met.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also called Benedict “one of the greatest theologians of his age”.

He said: “In 2013, Pope Benedict took the bold and humble step of resigning from the papacy, the first pope to do so since the 15th century. By making this choice freely, he recognized human frailty. What affects us all.

“In his retirement in Rome he has led a life of prayer and has now passed into eternal rest granted by the Father.”

Benedict’s body will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica from Monday, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis will preside over Benedict’s funeral in St Peter’s Square on Thursday – an unprecedented event in which a current pope will celebrate the life of his predecessor.