Pope Francis paid tribute to his predecessor Benedict XVI on Saturday, saluting “such a noble man”, hours after his death in the Vatican at the age of 95.

“We remember with excitement his such a noble, gentle person, and we feel so much gratitude in our hearts, gratitude that God gave him to the Church and to the world,” Pope Francis said during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, emphasizing for the “sacrifices” he made “for the good of the Church”, reports Agerpres.

The former Pope, who died on Saturday at the age of 95, will be buried on January 5 in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Vatican said earlier.

“The coffin of the Sovereign Pontiff Emeritus will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, then to the Vatican Grottoes (where the papal tombs are located) for burial,” the press service of the Holy See said in a statement.

From Monday to Wednesday, the coffin of German theologian Joseph Ratzinger will be on display in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful can come and gather.

Pope Francis will officiate at the funeral on Thursday. This is the first time in modern history that a Pope has presided over the funeral of his predecessor.