Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, it was announced on Saturday. His death came almost 10 years after he stood down from the role because of poor health in a move which made him the first Pope to resign since 1415.
Before that moment in 2013 he had led the Catholic Church for less than eight years and spent his remaining years at a monastery within the walls of the Vatican. Successor Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently and earlier this week asked for people to say prayers for the ailing former Pope.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected. For much of his papacy the Catholic Church faced allegations, legal claims, and official reports into decades of child abuse by priests. Earlier this year the former Pope acknowledged that errors had been made in the handling of abuse cases while he was archbishop of Munich between 1977 and 1982.
A statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: "With pain I inform that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be released as soon as possible."
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, said Benedict was "one of the great theologians of the 20th century".
In a statement, he said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Benedict. He will be remembered as one of the great theologians of the 20th century.
"I remember with particular affection the remarkable Papal Visit to these lands in 2010. We saw his courtesy, his gentleness, the perceptiveness of his mind and the openness of his welcome to everybody that he met."
"He was through and through a gentleman, through and through a scholar, through and through a pastor, through and through a man of God - close to the Lord and always his humble servant."
"Pope Benedict is very much in my heart and in my prayers. I give thanks to God for his ministry and leadership."
A statement from the Church in Wales said: "We remember and give thanks for the life and service of former Pope Benedict. May he rest in peace."
Llandaff Cathedral said that prayers would be said for Pope Benedict "at all services this week".
More tributes were paid, including from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said: "I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country. My thoughts are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world today."
In a message to Pope Francis, King Charles said: "Your Holiness, I received the news of the death of your predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with deep sadness.
"I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009. His visit to the United Kingdom in 2010 was important in strengthening the relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.
"I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.
"My wife and I send you our continued good wishes for your own pontificate.
"Charles R."
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