The Bishop of East Anglia has paid a personal tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who has died aged 95.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927 before later being appointed Archbishop in 1977 by Pope St Paul VI, Cardinal Ratzinger visited the Diocese of East Anglia in 1988, while coming to deliver the annual Fisher Lecture at the Catholic Chaplaincy in Cambridge.
The Rt Rev Peter Collins, who was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of East Anglia on October 11, has joined many others in paying tribute - as news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI saddened the Universal Church and the entire world.
The recently annointed Bishop Peter said: "In the midst of our sadness, it is with joy that we recall the Papal Visit to the United Kingdom undertaken by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
"We remember the impact of his words as he addressed parliamentarians under the ancient beams of Westminster Hall, speaking of the legitimate role of religion within the public square and the contribution of faith in service to the common good of humanity.
"I was privileged to be present at Westminster Cathedral when Pope Benedict celebrated Mass, during which he blessed a newly erected mosaic of St David.
"Together with so many others, I then travelled from London to Birmingham to join Pope Benedict for the celebration of Mass in Cofton Park during which he beatified the great nineteenth century English theologian, Cardinal John Henry Newman - later canonised as a Saint by Pope Francis."
There will be a Requiem Mass for the Pope Emeritus on Monday January 2, at 12 noon, at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Unthank Road.
Bishop Peter added: "Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lived his life to the full in Christ.
"Through the union of faith and reason, Joseph Ratzinger explored the depths of Divine Revelation and has helped us all to navigate our own journey through the wondrous expanse of God’s providential love.
"May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
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