Benedict XVI has been described as a “formative figure” by a fellow German, Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Scholz tweets to say the former Pope was “for many, not only in this country, a special church leader”.
He says his thoughts are with the current pope, Francis.
Pope Benedict XVI died aged 95 on Saturday morning.
The body of Benedict XVI is to lie in state in St Peter’s Basilica from Monday following the announcement of his death, the Vatican said.
