Pope Benedict's tribute to a 'much loved father of souls'

Pope Benedict paid tribute to Cardinal John Henry Newman's ''devoted care'' for the people of Birmingham at an open-air beatification Mass in the city.

The pontiff said it was the cardinal's work as a priest among the sick, poor and bereaved which inspired the love of his parishioners and qualified him for the honour of being declared ''blessed''.

The beatification brings the cardinal one step closer to becoming a saint.