Report by Halimah Olamide
Tributes are pouring in from world leaders, religious leaders around the globe to honor the former pope, Emeritus, Pope Benedict.
The former pope was confirmed to have died at his residence at the Master Ecclesiae Monastery on Saturday
Just last week, Pope Francis had confirmed that the now late Benedict was ill.
Reacting to the new of his death, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, praised him for his efforts in enabling a “brotherly world”.
“My thoughts are with the Catholics of France and the world, bereaved by the departure of his holiness Benedict XVI, who strove with soul and intelligence for a more brotherly world.”
“As a “German” #Pope, #BenedictXVI was a special church leader for many, not only in this country. The world is losing a formative figure of the Catholic Church, an argumentative personality and a clever theologian. My thoughts are with Pope Francis.”- German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
“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.” – UK Prime minister, Rishi Sunak.
“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.” – Roman Catholic Archbishop Of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
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“Farewell Pope Emeritus, Pope Benedict XVI. Over the years, Pope Benedict remained a real shepherd of God’s people. He left indelible historical marks. His service to God and to humanity as a Priest, Archbishop, Cardinal and Pope bore eloquent witness to his genuine love for God and man. Rest on Pope Benedict XVI. -PO “– Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.
“The death of Pope Benedict XVI saddens me. It hurts me as a human and also as a catholic that I am. I pray for the family of Pope Benedict XVI and the catholic church worldwide at this moment. May his soul rest in peace.” – Ben Muarray-Bruce
“Pope Benedict was one of the greatest theologians of his age – committed to the faith of the Church and stalwart in its defence. In all things, not least in his writing and his preaching, he looked to Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God. It was abundantly clear that Christ was the root of his thought and the basis of his prayer.” – Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.
“Benedict XVI was a giant of faith and reason. A man in love with the Lord who put his life at the service of the Universal Church and has spoken, and will continue to speak, to the hearts and minds of people with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his Magisterium. A Christian, a pastor, a theologian: a great man whom history will not forget.” – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He died at the age of 95, becoming the first Pope to resign in almost 600 years