The head of the Church of England, King Charles III, on Saturday hailed Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s “constant efforts” for peace and reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants, adding that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of his death.

King Charles IIIPhoto: Ben Stansall/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

“I also remember his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill among all peoples, as well as to strengthen relations between the world Anglican community and the Roman Catholic Church,” the British sovereign said, according to AFP and Agerpres.

The United Kingdom, AFP reminds, survived 30 years of inter-communal conflict in Northern Ireland, ended by the 1998 Agreement, and Benedict XVI made a historic visit to the British province in 2010.

Irish President Michael D. Higgins on Saturday paid tribute to the former Pope, hailing his “continued interest in peace in Northern Ireland”.

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Eamonn Martin, expressed his “sadness” after the death of Benedict XVI, and also welcomed his response to the abuse scandal within the church, DPA reports.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday at the age of 95, the Vatican announced.