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Pope Benedict resigns: UK Christian leaders pay tribute Pope Benedict resigns: UK clerics and politicians pay tribute
(35 minutes later)
Christian leaders in the UK have paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI, after the pontiff's unexpected decision to resign on health grounds. Christian and political leaders in the UK have paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI, after the pontiff's unexpected decision to resign on health grounds.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, said he was "saddened" by the Pope's resignation, announced on Monday.Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, said he was "saddened" by the Pope's resignation, announced on Monday.
The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said the Christian world would miss a "great theologian". The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, praised his "remarkable and creative theological mind".
Prime Minister David Cameron said the Pope would be missed by millions.
Pope Benedict XVI will step down at 19:00 GMT on 28 February.Pope Benedict XVI will step down at 19:00 GMT on 28 February.
Cardinal O'Brien - who at nearly 75 years old is approaching the statutory retirement age for Catholic bishops - participated in the conclave to elect Pope Benedict in April 2005. Cardinal O'Brien - who will retire as a Catholic bishop in March - will remain a Cardinal Elector and will shortly travel to Rome to participate in the conclave, the process to elect the next pontiff.
He said: "Like many people throughout the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign.He said: "Like many people throughout the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign.
"I know that his decision will have been considered most carefully and that it has come after much prayer and reflection."I know that his decision will have been considered most carefully and that it has come after much prayer and reflection.
"I will offer my prayers for Pope Benedict and call on the Catholic community of Scotland to join me in praying for him at this time of deterioration in his health as he recognises his incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to him," he added."I will offer my prayers for Pope Benedict and call on the Catholic community of Scotland to join me in praying for him at this time of deterioration in his health as he recognises his incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to him," he added.
Cardinal O'Brien, who will remain a Cardinal Elector when he retires in March and able to vote in the next conclave, will shortly travel to Rome to participate in the process to elect the next pontiff. 'Strength of mind'
Dr Sentamu said "the world will miss a great theologian with great spiritual depth". The Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, saluted the Pope's decision.
The Anglican archbishop added: "We should remember Pope Benedict communicated the revelation of God in a characteristic way as a true successor of St Peter. He said it had been made with "great courage and characteristic clarity of mind".
"The Holy Father recognises the challenges facing the Church and that 'strength of mind and body are necessary' for his tasks of governing the Church and proclaiming the Gospel.
"I ask people of faith to keep Pope Benedict in their prayers."
In 2011, Pope Benedict set up the Ordinariate, a place within the Catholic Church for former Anglicans in the UK.
The group's spokesman, Father James Bradley told BBC News the pontiff's time "has been one of surprises and one which has continued to astonish the Church"
He added Pope Benedict would be remembered for: "His benevolence and in his generosity to groups within the Christian community who needed shepherding and guidance... He welcomed Anglicans into the Church through the establishment of the Personal Ordinariate which has been a significant landmark in the life of the Church."
Tributes from among the Anglican community were led by the newly enthroned Archbishop Welby, who said the pontiff had held office with "great dignity, insight and courage".
He continued: "I speak not only for myself... but for Anglicans around the world, in giving thanks to God for a priestly life utterly dedicated, in word and deed, in prayer and in costly service, to following Christ.
"In his teaching and writing he has brought a remarkable and creative theological mind to bear on the issues of the day.
"We who belong to other Christian families gladly acknowledge the importance of this witness and join with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters in thanking God for the inspiration and challenge of Pope Benedict's ministry."
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said "the world will miss a great theologian with great spiritual depth".
He added: "We should remember Pope Benedict communicated the revelation of God in a characteristic way as a true successor of St Peter.
"He was unafraid to proclaim the Gospel and challenge a culture that is so self-referential, managing to lift our eyes to God's glory.""He was unafraid to proclaim the Gospel and challenge a culture that is so self-referential, managing to lift our eyes to God's glory."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister David Cameron issued a short statement offering his "best wishes to Pope Benedict" who he said will be "missed as a spiritual leader to millions".
Mr Cameron said the Pope "worked tirelessly to strengthen Britain's relations with the Holy See. He added: "His visit to Britain in 2010 is remembered with great respect and affection".
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband described Pope Benedict's choice to step down as "a brave one [which] he will not have reached lightly".
He continued: "The choice of a successor is clearly an important one for the Catholic Church. Our thoughts are with those who must make such a critical decision on behalf of millions around the world."