humility

As an emotional Benn took his defeat with humility, he also struck at what has been at the heart of a fight that captivated a nation.

"The joy and emotion he expressed were deeply meaningful to me," he said, adding that Pope Francis left him with a powerful message to live a life of solidarity, austerity, humility and commitment.

The cypress coffin symbolised humility and mortality; the outer oak coffin, a sign of 'dignity and strength' and the lead coffin, welded to preserve the remains and prevent tampering.

His care and humility for all people and creation drew people from all cultures and faiths.

He praised the Pope's leadership of the Catholic Church as "courageous" and coming from a "place of deep humility".