My generation of brother priests are those who sprang up buoyant from “the Benedict Bounce”: a phenomenon associated with the papal visit which breathed fresh life into the Catholic Church in Britain. It is all the more compelling that on face value alone it was nothing exterior that intrigued us about Pope Benedict, which we might typically have associated with celebrities. It was his gentleness and warmth, together with his phenomenal mind and beautiful theology, that spoke to us of his heart of prayer. He was holy man and, ultimately, holiness is the most attractive thing in the world.

The Vatican number two was marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Britain and Holy See

'Be Saints' recalls the Holy Father's meeting with young people at the Big Assembly in Twickenham

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Anniversary Mass included hymns by Blessed John Henry Newman

Archbishop of Westminster addresses seminarians on anniversary of Benedict XVI's visit

A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

Bishops urge the faithful to be 'confidently Catholic'