JUSTIN Welby, leader of the world's Anglicans, says he understands "with a heavy heart" Pope Benedict XVI's decision to step down aged 85 due to his fading strength.
The new Archbishop of Canterbury said Pope Benedict had been a messenger of hope at a time when Christian faith was called into question.
"It was with a heavy heart but complete understanding that we learned this morning of Pope Benedict's declaration," said Welby, who formally became the spiritual leader of the Church of England last Monday.
The head of the 85-million-strong worldwide Anglican communion said Pope Benedict held his office with "great dignity, insight and courage".
The 57-year-old said Anglicans would thank God for the pontiff's "priestly life utterly dedicated, in word and deed, in prayer and in costly service, to following Christ".
In 2010, Pope Benedict made a historic first state visit to Britain by a pope.
The tour was seen as a bridge-building mission between the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches and the pontiff held joint prayers with Welby's predecessor Rowan Williams.
During the visit, Pope Benedict "showed us all something of what the vocation of the See of Rome can mean in practice - a witness to the universal scope of the gospel and a messenger of hope at a time when Christian faith is being called into question", said Welby.
"In his teaching and writing he has brought a remarkable and creative theological mind to bear on the issues of the day."
The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534.
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