Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who served as Supreme Pontiff from April 2005 to February 2013, has died aged 95, the Vatican has confirmed.
A short statement from Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See's Press Office, said: ‘With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34am in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.’
On hearing the news, Cardinal Nichols wrote: ‘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.’
Bishop Nicholas Hudson presided at a Requiem Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 31st December. Masses for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict are also taking place in parishes across the diocese.
Pope Benedict's body will lie in St Peter's Basilica from Monday 2nd January, where the faithful can pay their respects.
Pope Pope Francis will preside at Pope Benedict's funeral on Thursday 5th January in St Peter's Square. The funeral will take place at 9.30 am (8.30 am GMT).
A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Father, eternal shepherd,
hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict,
who governed your Church with love.
In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care
to the reward you have promised your faithful servants.
May he who faithfully administered the mysteries
of your forgiveness and love on earth,
rejoice with you for ever in heaven
In your wise and loving care,
you made your servant teacher of all your Church.
He did the work of Christ on earth.
May your Son welcome him into eternal glory.
May your servant whom you appointed high priest of your flock
be counted now among the priests in the life of your kingdom.
Give your servant the reward of eternal happiness
and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love.
We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence.
In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love.
We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence.
In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love.
May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen
Cardinal looks back on Pope Benedict's visit to the UK in 2010
Photo: Pope Benedict greeting young people from the steps of Westminster Cathedral on his UK visit (Catholic Church England and Wales)
