Tributes for former pope pour in from around the world

Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges a cheering crowd during from the window of his apartments at the Vatican in 2013 (Domenico Stinellis/AP/PA)

Within minutes of the announcement of the death of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday morning, a wealth of tributes poured in from around the world, while the Vatican revealed that the late pontiff would be given a “simple” funeral, celebrated by Pope Francis, in keeping with his wishes.

Words of praise and fond remembrance poured in from world leaders and religious figures.