Washington,:  Joining Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, US President Joe Biden on Saturday said that the late leader will be remembered as a renowned theologian.

“He will be remembered as a renowned theologian with a lifetime of devotion to the Church guided by his principles and faith,” Biden said in a statement.

“I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation,” said the US president