(FILES) In this file photo taken and handout on August 27, 2022 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis (R) salute Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (L) as Benedict XVI’s aide Georg Gaenswein looks on, as they prepare to meet with new Cardinals following a consistory to create 20 new cardinals in The Vatican. (Photo by Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP)
Pope Francis on Saturday paid tribute to his “dearest” predecessor Benedict XVI, who died earlier in the day aged 95.
“With emotion we remember a person so noble, so kind,” Francis said at a New Year’s Eve service in St Peter’s Basilica, offering thanks “for all the good he has done” and underlining “his sacrifices offered for the good of the church”.
AFP
