The 80th birthday of Pope Benedict XVI was marked in style yesterday at the Vatican. The music-loving pope was the guest of honour at a concert, and he will host a dinner for his cardinals. Tributes were paid, and commemorative stamps will be issued.

The Vatican’s employees had another reason to celebrate the pontiff’s birthday. Not only did they getthe day off, but they also received a bonus of 500 euros (£340; $676) to mark this special day.

The milestone was an opportunity for Vatican-watchers to assess Pope Benedict’s papacy, which began three days after his 78th birthday.

He was already one of the most powerful figures at the Vatican. His defence of church doctrine led to him being called “the Pope’s enforcer” and “God’s rottweiler”.

When he succeeded John Paul II, he was expected to uphold the legacy of the Polish pontiff while the church pondered its future direction.