Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be remembered as a renowned theologian: Biden

Joining Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, US President Joe Biden on Saturday said that the late leader will be remembered as a renowned theologian.

"He will be remembered as a renowned theologian with a lifetime of devotion to the Church guided by his principles and faith," Biden said in a statement.

"I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation," said the US president.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the United States mourns the passing of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus a holy man, witness to faith, and once Shepherd of the Catholic faithful.

"Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a dedicated leader and was committed to interfaith dialogue.He was an advocate for vulnerable persons, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants. He supported international legal measures to defend them. He was a renowned theologian within the Catholic Church for decades," he said in a statement.


"We offer our deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful around the world, the Holy See, and all those whose lives were enriched by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's spiritual guidance," he added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement, described Pope Benedict XVI as a global leader whose devotion, scholarship and hopeful message stirred the hearts of people of all faiths.

"Spiritually I am always moved by Pope Benedict's powerful encyclical, God is Love,' where he quotes St. Augustine highlighting our moral duty as public servants to fight for justice," she said.

"Officially it was my privilege to visit His Holiness in the Vatican and in 2008 to join in welcoming him to our nation's capital. May it be comfort to His Holiness Pope Francis and the Vatican community that so many pray for Pope Benedict during this sad time," Pelosi said.