Benedict, 95, died on Saturday morning in the Vatican after his health suddenly deteriorated over Christmas.
Francis spoke in the homily of a previously planned New Year's Eve vespers of thanksgiving in St. Peter's Basilica.
"It is with emotion that we remember his person, so noble, so kind. And we feel in our heart such gratitude, gratitude to God for having gifted him to the Church and the world," Francis said. He was pope between 2005 and 2013, when he became the first pope in 600 years to step down instead of ruling for life.
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