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At the same time, he was seen as an uncompromising conservative and guardian of tradition, which continues to draw ire from the more progressive parts of the Church.

Christian Weisner, of the "Wir sind Kirche" (We are Church) initiative that represents reformist endeavours within the Catholic Church, said the election of a pope from Germany, the country that caused World War Two, had been a significant step.

But he added that Benedict's handling of the Church's sexual abuse scandals had disturbed and irritated many members, including conservatives.

"In the course of time, one has seen what a reactionary pope he was," he said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-leaders-mourn-death-former-pope-benedict-2022-12-31/