'Benedict left UK as everyone's favourite great-uncle'
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Cardinal Vincent Nichols meets Benedict XVI, the former pope, in 2014Image caption: Cardinal Vincent Nichols meets Benedict XVI, the former pope, in 2014
The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has paid tribute to the late Benedict XVI, saying he's "deeply saddened" by the former pope's death.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols says the public perception of Benedict XVI in the UK was transformed by the then pope's visit in 2010.
Benedict arrived with a reputation of being "God's Rottweiler", but left being compared to "everybody's favourite great-uncle or just uncle", the cardinal has told the BBC.
"He was kind, considerate, a highly intelligent and sensitive man. It was always a pleasure to be in his company, even if issues that were difficult had to be talked about."
Asked whether Benedict did enough to tackle child sexual abuse within the Church during his tenure, Nichols says the former pope "took all the steps that I think he could".
Nichols continues: "He was brave, he was courageous. But always there is more to do."
He was invited by the late Queen Elizabeth II to meet dignitaries and celebrated masses for thousands of people.
It was also the first visit to the UK by a pontiff since John Paul II in 1982 which had been on a pastoral basis and did not follow an official invitation from the UK government.
The Pope began his trip in Edinburgh where he met Her Majesty at Holyrood House along with former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and the first ministers of Scotland and Wales. During his visit, the Pope said he wanted to "extend the hand of friendship" to the entire UK, not just the Catholic population.
However, his visit caused controversy because of how much it cost and the scandal surrounding child abuse within the Catholic Church.
Thousands marched in London to protest against the Pope’s visit and campaigners said they wanted to highlight his stance on controversial subjects, including the ordination of women, as well as Vatican policies on contraception, gay rights and abortion.
While in the UK, Pope Benedict made a public apology over the child abuse scandal during a mass at Westminster Cathedral and met with five victims who had been sexually abused by clergy members.
He apologised to them and described the Church's measures to protect young people.
Benedict was courageous and humble - Archbishop of Canterbury
BBCCopyright: BBC
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says Benedict XVI was "one of the great theologians of his age", who "strove to direct people to Christ".
In his tribute, Welby refers to Benedict's decision to step down from papal duties in 2013 as "courageous and humble", and an acknowledgement of "the human frailty that affects us all".
The Church of England leader calls attention to the "many profound changes" Benedict witnessed in his lifetime, having lived in Germany through the Nazi regime, and then the division and ultimately the reunification of his country.
Vatican in uncharted territory after ex-Pope’s death
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
There are strict rituals and procedures in place following the death of a pope, but it’s unclear whether these will apply to a pope emeritus ("emeritus" is a Latin word meaning "retired”).
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing “old age”, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down.
That means his death is uncharted territory for the modern Catholic Church.
If the Vatican has plans for the procedures following his death, it has yet to share them with the public.
One of the most important rituals that usually takes place after the death of a pope involves calling cardinals from around the world to congregate in the Vatican and elect a new pope – but that will not happen.
His biographer, Peter Seewald, has regularly said Benedict XVI wanted to be buried in the tomb that belonged to John Paul II before he was canonised.
And since he served as head of state of the Vatican City - which is its own independent city-state surrounded by Rome and governed by the Pope - it’s likely officials from around the world will be invited to the funeral.
BreakingFormer pope's funeral to be held on Thursday
The funeral of Benedict XVI will be held on Thursday 5 January and will be presided over by Pope Francis, the Vatican has said.
French and Italian leaders salute work of former pope
The French and Italian leaders have offered their own comments following the death of the former pope.
In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron salutes the late Catholic leader's work to create a "more brotherly world". He did this with "soul and intelligence", Macron adds.
Benedict XVI was a "giant of faith and reason", adds Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in her own message. She says the former pope spoke to people's "hearts and minds" - and will continue to do so.
Sunak adds Benedict's papal visit to the UK in 2010 represented a "historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country".
LISTEN: Vatican bell rings to mark Benedict's death
Video content
Video caption: The moment a single bell is heard ringing in St Peter's Square on Saturday morning to announce the death of the former popeThe moment a single bell is heard ringing in St Peter's Square on Saturday morning to announce the death of the former pope
German leader pays tribute to compatriot
Benedict XVI has been described as a "formative figure" by a fellow German, Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz tweets to say the former Pope was "for many, not only in this country, a special church leader".
He says his thoughts are with the current pope, Francis.
Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?
Benedict XVI shocked the world in 2013 when he became the first Pope to resign in almost 600 years.
In a statement at the time, he said:
Quote Message: After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."
After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
He said the strength of his mind and body had deteriorated to the extent that he had to recognise his "incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me".
The brother of the German-born Pope said the pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips and that he had been considering stepping down for months.
Georg Ratzinger said when Benedict got to the second half of his 80she felt "his age was showing".
"He was gradually losing the abilities he may have had and that it takes to fulfil this office properly," he added.
Video caption: Pope Benedict XVI through the yearsPope Benedict XVI through the years
Have a watch back through some of the key moments in the life of Benedict XVI, in less than one minute.
Death follows week of prayers for former pope
Bethany Bell
Reporting from Rome
Catholics here in Rome and around the world have been praying for Benedict after Pope Francis said his health had deteriorated earlier this week.
Details of the funeral have not yet been announced.
Benedict’s biographer, Peter Seewald, has told the BBC that this would be the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Church that a sitting pope would have to bury his predecessor.
Body of former pope to lie in state
The body of Benedict XVI is to lie in state in St Peter's Basilica from Monday following the announcement of his death, the Vatican says.
Who was Pope Benedict XVI?
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
At 78, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest popes to be elected.
He became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and remained leader of the Catholic Church for less than eight years. In 2013, he stood down saying he was too old to continue and went to live at Mater Ecclesiae monastery.
It was the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years.
The resignation surprised governments, Vatican watchers and even the former pontiff’s closest aides. His aides were unaware of what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous".
The last Pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII who stepped down in 1415.
Before his papacy, Cardinal Ratzinger spent 24 years as a senior figure in the Vatican and then took the helm when the Catholic Church faced the scandal of child sex abuse by priests.
Vatican's statement on ex-Pope Benedict's death
This is the statement the Vatican has put out about news of Pope Benedict's death:
Quote Message: With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible." from Matteo Bruni Vatican spokesman
With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible."
BreakingVatican announces death of Pope Benedict XVI
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican has announced.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope in 2005 after John Paul II's death.
He stood down as head of the Catholic Church on 28 February 2013 citing his advanced age, making him the first Pope to resign in 600 years.
Pope Francis said at the end of December that the former Pope had been very ill and asked pilgrims at the Vatican to pray for him.Stay with us as we bring you updates and reaction from around the world.
Live Reporting
Edited by Alexandra Fouché
All times stated are UK
'Benedict left UK as everyone's favourite great-uncle'
The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has paid tribute to the late Benedict XVI, saying he's "deeply saddened" by the former pope's death.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols says the public perception of Benedict XVI in the UK was transformed by the then pope's visit in 2010.
Benedict arrived with a reputation of being "God's Rottweiler", but left being compared to "everybody's favourite great-uncle or just uncle", the cardinal has told the BBC.
"He was kind, considerate, a highly intelligent and sensitive man. It was always a pleasure to be in his company, even if issues that were difficult had to be talked about."
Asked whether Benedict did enough to tackle child sexual abuse within the Church during his tenure, Nichols says the former pope "took all the steps that I think he could".
Nichols continues: "He was brave, he was courageous. But always there is more to do."
Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the UK in 2010
Pope Benedict XVI was the first Pope to make a state visit to the UK back in 2010.
He was invited by the late Queen Elizabeth II to meet dignitaries and celebrated masses for thousands of people.
It was also the first visit to the UK by a pontiff since John Paul II in 1982 which had been on a pastoral basis and did not follow an official invitation from the UK government.
The Pope began his trip in Edinburgh where he met Her Majesty at Holyrood House along with former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and the first ministers of Scotland and Wales. During his visit, the Pope said he wanted to "extend the hand of friendship" to the entire UK, not just the Catholic population.
However, his visit caused controversy because of how much it cost and the scandal surrounding child abuse within the Catholic Church.
Thousands marched in London to protest against the Pope’s visit and campaigners said they wanted to highlight his stance on controversial subjects, including the ordination of women, as well as Vatican policies on contraception, gay rights and abortion.
While in the UK, Pope Benedict made a public apology over the child abuse scandal during a mass at Westminster Cathedral and met with five victims who had been sexually abused by clergy members.
He apologised to them and described the Church's measures to protect young people.
Benedict was courageous and humble - Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says Benedict XVI was "one of the great theologians of his age", who "strove to direct people to Christ".
In his tribute, Welby refers to Benedict's decision to step down from papal duties in 2013 as "courageous and humble", and an acknowledgement of "the human frailty that affects us all".
The Church of England leader calls attention to the "many profound changes" Benedict witnessed in his lifetime, having lived in Germany through the Nazi regime, and then the division and ultimately the reunification of his country.
Vatican in uncharted territory after ex-Pope’s death
There are strict rituals and procedures in place following the death of a pope, but it’s unclear whether these will apply to a pope emeritus ("emeritus" is a Latin word meaning "retired”).
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing “old age”, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down.
That means his death is uncharted territory for the modern Catholic Church.
If the Vatican has plans for the procedures following his death, it has yet to share them with the public.
One of the most important rituals that usually takes place after the death of a pope involves calling cardinals from around the world to congregate in the Vatican and elect a new pope – but that will not happen.
His biographer, Peter Seewald, has regularly said Benedict XVI wanted to be buried in the tomb that belonged to John Paul II before he was canonised.
And since he served as head of state of the Vatican City - which is its own independent city-state surrounded by Rome and governed by the Pope - it’s likely officials from around the world will be invited to the funeral.
Read the full story here.
BreakingFormer pope's funeral to be held on Thursday
The funeral of Benedict XVI will be held on Thursday 5 January and will be presided over by Pope Francis, the Vatican has said.
French and Italian leaders salute work of former pope
The French and Italian leaders have offered their own comments following the death of the former pope.
In a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron salutes the late Catholic leader's work to create a "more brotherly world". He did this with "soul and intelligence", Macron adds.
Benedict XVI was a "giant of faith and reason", adds Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in her own message. She says the former pope spoke to people's "hearts and minds" - and will continue to do so.
UK PM: Benedict was 'a great theologian'
Reaction from world leaders continues to arrive.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he's saddened by the death of Benedict XVI, who he describes as a "great theologian".
Sunak adds Benedict's papal visit to the UK in 2010 represented a "historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country".
LISTEN: Vatican bell rings to mark Benedict's death
Video content
German leader pays tribute to compatriot
Benedict XVI has been described as a "formative figure" by a fellow German, Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz tweets to say the former Pope was "for many, not only in this country, a special church leader".
He says his thoughts are with the current pope, Francis.
Why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?
Benedict XVI shocked the world in 2013 when he became the first Pope to resign in almost 600 years.
In a statement at the time, he said:
He said the strength of his mind and body had deteriorated to the extent that he had to recognise his "incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me".
The brother of the German-born Pope said the pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to take any more transatlantic trips and that he had been considering stepping down for months.
Georg Ratzinger said when Benedict got to the second half of his 80she felt "his age was showing".
"He was gradually losing the abilities he may have had and that it takes to fulfil this office properly," he added.
Read more on Pope Benedict's resignation here.
WATCH: Pope Benedict XVI through the years
Video content
Have a watch back through some of the key moments in the life of Benedict XVI, in less than one minute.
Death follows week of prayers for former pope
Bethany Bell
Reporting from Rome
Catholics here in Rome and around the world have been praying for Benedict after Pope Francis said his health had deteriorated earlier this week.
Details of the funeral have not yet been announced.
Benedict’s biographer, Peter Seewald, has told the BBC that this would be the first time in the 2,000-year history of the Church that a sitting pope would have to bury his predecessor.
Body of former pope to lie in state
The body of Benedict XVI is to lie in state in St Peter's Basilica from Monday following the announcement of his death, the Vatican says.
Who was Pope Benedict XVI?
At 78, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest popes to be elected.
He became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and remained leader of the Catholic Church for less than eight years. In 2013, he stood down saying he was too old to continue and went to live at Mater Ecclesiae monastery.
It was the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years.
The resignation surprised governments, Vatican watchers and even the former pontiff’s closest aides. His aides were unaware of what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous".
The last Pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII who stepped down in 1415.
Before his papacy, Cardinal Ratzinger spent 24 years as a senior figure in the Vatican and then took the helm when the Catholic Church faced the scandal of child sex abuse by priests.
Vatican's statement on ex-Pope Benedict's death
This is the statement the Vatican has put out about news of Pope Benedict's death:
BreakingVatican announces death of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican has announced.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope in 2005 after John Paul II's death.
He stood down as head of the Catholic Church on 28 February 2013 citing his advanced age, making him the first Pope to resign in 600 years.
Pope Francis said at the end of December that the former Pope had been very ill and asked pilgrims at the Vatican to pray for him.Stay with us as we bring you updates and reaction from around the world.