World leaders tweet condolences as Pope Benedict dies aged 95

Many leaders paid tribute to Benedict as a renowned theologian and some recalled meeting the pope in person.

Former Pope Benedict, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, died on Saturday aged 95 in a secluded monastery in the Vatican where he had lived since stepping down, a spokesman for the Holy See said.

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY:

“I express my sincere condolences to Pope Francis @Pontifex, the hierarchy and the faithful of the Catholic Church all over the world on the death of Pope Benedict XV1 – an outstanding theologian, intellectual and promoter of universal values.”

2. TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL, ANTONIO GUTERRES:

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I offer my deepest condolences to Catholics and others around the world who were inspired by his life of prayer and tenacious commitment to non-violence and peace.”

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BRITAIN’S ROYAL FAMILY:

"Your Holiness, I received the news of the death of your predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with deep sadness.

I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009.

His visit to the United Kingdom in 2010 was important in strengthening the relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.

I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.

My wife and I send you our continued good wishes for your own pontificate."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF IRISH PRIME MINISTER, LEO VARADKAR:

"I was saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Leading the Catholic Church for almost a decade, the son of a police officer & a cook, the first German elected as Pope in 1,000 years, he was ultimately a ‘humble worker in vineyard of the Lord’".

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN:

"Pope Benedict’s passing saddens me. My sympathy goes out to all Catholics.

He had set a strong signal through his resignation. He saw himself first as a servant for God and his Church.

Once his physical strength waned, he continued to serve through the power of his prayers."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BRAZIL'S PRESIDENT-ELECT, LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA:

"I received with sadness the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. We had the opportunity to talk about his commitment to the Christian faith and teachings during his visit to Brazil in 2007 and at the Vatican. I wish comfort to the faithful and admirers of the Holy Father."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF KENYAN PRESIDENT, WILLIAM RUTO:

"It is with great sorrow that I join the Catholic Faithful and the global community at large in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

His death marks the end of a truly great life and the passing of a towering theologian and a steadfast servant of the church."

FACEBOOK POST FROM ACCOUNT OF HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER, VIKTOR ORBAN:

"RIP His Holiness XVI Benevolent the Pope Emeritus!"

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF POLISH PRIME MINISTER, MATEUSZ MORAWIECKI :

"Today, Pope Benedict XVI, one of the greatest theologians of our time, ended his long journey to the House of the Father. Throughout his life he demonstrated the spiritual and intellectual depth of Christianity. He leaves behind a great legacy - may we continue it."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SPANISH PRIME MINISTER, PEDRO SANCHEZ:

"My heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church on the death of His Holiness Benedict XVI. A great theologian dedicated to the service of others, justice and peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL, ANTONIO COSTA:

"I want to express my condolences to the entire Catholic community on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I recall the honour of having welcomed him to Lisbon when I was president of the Assembly, and the beautiful celebration he presided over in the renovated Terreiro do Paco"

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF CZECH PRIME MINISTER, PETR FIALA:

"I had great respect for Pope Benedict XVI. I like his theological and philosophical works, he was one of the leading intellectual figures of our time. His greatness is also shown by his decision to leave the papal see. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him in person. May he rest in peace."

TWO SHOTS OF TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR KARL NEHAMMER:

"Together we Catholics mourn for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was a remarkable historical figure, a great scholar from an early age. Benedict XVI was one of few German-speaking church leaders and the first pope of modern times, who resigned from office of his own accord. He had a particularly appreciative relationship with Austria. I remember his visit to our country in 2007 well. May he rest in peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF MALTESE PRIME MINISTER, ROBERT ABELA:

"I pay tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The people of Malta recall the visit of His Holiness, where he conveyed a message of unity. On behalf of @MaltaGov I send my condolences to the Holy See"

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SOLVAK PRESIDENT, ZUZANA CAPUTOVA:

"The human person finds his perfection in seeking and loving what is true and good'. Saddened to hear of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. May his soul rest in peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT, GITANAS NAUSEDA:

"Sincere condolences to @Pontifex, Catholics of Lithuania and the whole world on the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The world has lost not only a clergyman, but also scholar, theologian, and professor loved by students. May his soul rest in peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER, ANDREJ PLENKOVIC:

"On behalf of @VladaRH and myself, I express my deep sorrow and sincere condolences to Pope Francis, Cardinal Bozanic and all Catholic believers in Croatia and around the world who are saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF SENEGALESE PRESIDENT, MACKY SALL:

"Following the calling to God of His Holiness the Pope Emeritus #BenoitXVI , I send my heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Pope Francis @Pontifex_fr and to the entire Catholic community. I salute the memory of the illustrious deceased. Rest in peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF BENIN PRESIDENT, PATRICE TALON:

"The Catholic Church mourns the call to God of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

In this circumstance of painful separation, I would like to express my compassion to him and that of all the people of Benin."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF NAMIBIAN PRESIDENT, HAGE GEINGOB:

"I have learned with sadness about the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, who I had the honour of meeting at the Summer Residence outside Rome. During our exchange about the importance of faith in building tolerant communities, I remember him as frank, kindhearted and emphatic."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT, GUILLERMO LASSO:

"Moved by the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, I send my feelings of sorrow and those of the Ecuadorian people to Pope Francis and to all the Catholics of the world."

22. TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT, MARITO ABDO:

"We join in the sorrow for the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who leaves a fruitful legacy and demonstrated in his life that faith, reason and justice can go hand in hand. Rest in peace."

TWEET FROM ACCOUNT OF OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL, JAIR BOLSONARO:

"Pope Bento XVI - I received, with great regret, the news of the death of Pope (emeritus) Benedict XVI.

- Although your pontificate was short, it leaves an immense legacy for the Catholic Church, for all Christians and for humanity."