President Michael D. Higgins has paid tribute to Former Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who has died today at the age of 95.

Born in rural Bavaria in 1927, Joseph Ratzinger was ordained a priest there in 1951.

He became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, then choosing to resign from the role in 2013 — the first Pope in 600 years to do so.

President Higgins remembers him for his efforts to promote unity and peace, especially in Northern Ireland.

The Archbishop of Canterbury described the late pope as "one of the greatest theologians of his age".

The President said today: "At this time of the return of war on our continent and in so many areas of the world, he will be remembered for his untiring efforts to find a common path in promoting peace and goodwill throughout the world, including a steadfast interest in peace in Northern Ireland."

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Consistory ceremony for the creation of 13 new Cardinals at the St. Peter's Basilica in 2019. Photo: ABACAPRESS.COM

The President said that the former Pope's work was respected "by both supporters and critics".

"Of particular importance was that during his tenure", he continued, "Pope Benedict sought to highlight both the common purpose of the world’s major religions and his injunctions as to how our individual responsibilities as citizens require the highest standards of ethics in our actions".

President Higgins extended his condolences to his family, to Pope Francis, to Archbishop Eamon Martin, to his friends and colleagues, and to members of the Catholic Church worldwide.