Clergy from around the Archdiocese of New York remembered Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Saturday, recalling his legacy and his visit to New York.

“We were all worried and praying during the last days of Pope Benedict XVI. We will remember the richness of his intellect and the richness of his spirituality. We are saying goodbye to one of the great popes we have had. He leaves us with a great legacy,” said Father Lorenzo Ato, communications director of the Archdiocese of New York’s Hispanic Ministry, and pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish on West 51st Street in Manhattan.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday, December 31, at age 95. He resigned from the papacy in February 2013, citing his own concerns that he was not sufficiently healthy to carry out his duties.

“We were so blessed as a Church to have had probably the greatest living Catholic theologian also serve as Holy Father,” Father Vincent Druding, parochial vicar, Holy Cross parish in the Bronx, said of Pope Benedict.

“I had the humble privilege to serve at the altar as the book holder at the papal Mass at Yankee Stadium in 2008 when he was Holy Father. He gave me and Father Enrique Salvo a blessing before Mass while we were waiting to go out to serve. His grace was so powerful, it was almost as if the Holy Spirit just sort of enwrapped us after he gave us just a simple blessing. There was a radiant peace in his presence; we were so grateful for his time as the Holy Father,” Father Druding added,

Father Ambiorix Rodriguez, pastor of St. Elizabeth parish in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, said he has “gratitude to God for the life and example of humility of Pope Benedict XVI.”

Benedict’s April, 2008 visit to the New York area saw him say Mass at Yankee Stadium, visit Ground Zero, and speak at the United Nations. That trip had a significant impact on at least one area priest.

“I will always remember when Pope Benedict XVI came to New York in 2008 on his apostolic visit to the U.S. At that time, I was considering becoming a priest and I have to say that it was because of him that I was more inspired to enter the seminary! I just remember watching the Mass at Yankee Stadium and his homily touched me very much! Rest in Peace Pope Benedict XVI! I have gained a new saint for the Church,” said Father Osvaldo Hernandez, parochial vicar, St. Peter and St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Haverstraw.

The former pope’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, January 5, at 9:30 a.m. Rome time (CEST). Pope Francis will be the officiant.