“Benedict XVI did theology on his knees,” the pope wrote in the book’s introduction. “His explanation of the faith was carried out with the devotion of a man who has surrendered all of himself to God.”

Pope Francis’ agenda appears daunting even for a younger man, but, as he has said on more than one occasion, “one governs from the head, not from the knee.”

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.

On the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the 54th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis reminded Christians to "imitate the shepherds: let us learn to see! To understand by seeing with our hearts."

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.