Bishop pays tribute to life of Pope

THE Bishop of Salford, the head of the Catholic church in Greater Manchester, has paid tribute to the life of Pope Benedict XVI, who has died aged 95.

- PAUL BRITTON

The Right Reverend John Arnold praised the former pontiff’s ‘leadership and gentle shepherding of the church’ during his eight years as Pope.

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.”

The former Pontiff, who visited the UK in 2010, will be remembered as the first pope in 600 years to resign. He was being cared for in a former convent inside the Vatican, where he lived since 2013.