On hearing the news of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s death, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Westminster, 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 will celebrate a Requiem Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 31 December at 6pm.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
