Mr Guterres described the late Pope Benedict as “one of the leading academic theologians of our time”.
Pope Benedict’s health had worsened in recent times due to his advanced age.
“I have borne great responsibility in the Catholic Church. My pain is all the greater for the misdemeanours and errors…”
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lashed out at Germany’s Catholic Church in published comments on Monday.
The scandal was triggered by criticism of the church’s handling of sex abuse by priests in the West German city.
“It was a hard decision. But I made it in full conscience and think that I did a good thing.”