According to the book, the pope emeritus ordered the destruction of all his private notes in writing, “without exceptions and without loopholes.”

Pope Benedict XVI was a renowned theologian, a “recognized authority,” who left “a rich legacy of studies and research on the fundamental truths of the faith,” said the official summary of his life and papacy.

The bells tolled, the organ played, and the congregation of 50,000 Romans and pilgrims applauded warmly as pallbearers brought the casket of Pope Benedict XVI onto the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A Reflection for Thursday before Epiphany, by Jill Rice

A timeline of significant events in the life of Pope Benedict XVI.

The death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has deprived the church of a dedicated pastor whose papal witness stands as a model of grace and humility for his successors.