Former Pope Benedict XVI has been officially confirmed dead at his Vatican residence at the age of 95.

The late Pope led the Catholic Church for almost eight years, before historically stepping down due to his failing health.

The decision made him the first Pope to resign in over 600 years, the last being Gregory XII in 1415.

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Emeritus’s body will be placed in St Peter's Basilica from January 2nd for “the greeting of the faithful.”

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nicholas, has paid his respects to the late Pope.

He called him “one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century” and said he was always a humble servant.

Tributes have started pouring out to the late Pope, from prominent figures like British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, also sent his condolences to Catholics in France and around the world.

Benedict’s papacy was quite controversial, strewn with child abuse allegations and legal claims against the church.