Though he is criticized for the sexual abuse crisis in the church during his papacy, Benedict XVI did more than anyone before him to turn the Vatican around on clergy sexual abuse.

There was not the air of sadness that pervaded those who paid their last respects to John Paul II when he died. It seems that the mourning for Benedict took place around the time of his resignation.

In the wake of the death of pope emeritus Benedict XVI earlier today, U.S. Catholics offered public condolences and prayers.

These were the final words that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI uttered before he died, a powerful final expression of love and faith.

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI will be laid to rest on Jan. 5, 2023, at a Mass in St. Peter's Square at which Pope Francis will preside.