Pope Francis pays tribute to predecessor Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis paid a heartfelt tribute Friday to his predecessor Benedict XVI, saying his faith and teaching had "enriched and invigorated" the Catholic Church and would remain its spiritual patrimony forever.

Francis offered the respects during an audience with the cardinals who elected him to succeed Benedict, whose resignation set in motion the extraordinary conclave that brought the first prelate from the New World and first Jesuit to the papacy.

Francis, 76, tripped and stumbled when he greeted the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, at the start of the audience, but he recovered immediately.

Speaking at times off the cuff, Francis said of Benedict, "In these years of his pontificate, he enriched and invigorated the church with his magisterium, his goodness, guidance and faith." Pausing for effect, he added: "His humility and his gentleness."-- AP