It will take many years to assess the legacy of Benedict XV1 and his impact on the Church and the world.
He was first and foremost a man of God and what characterised him most was his unshakeable faith in God, his commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to pattern his life on the life of Christ.
Pope Benedict brought to the Papacy a remarkable array of personal gifts and talents: philosopher, theologian, linguist, writer and pianist.
He put all his many gifts and talents at the disposal of his ministry and gave witness to Jesus Christ and his Gospel to the ends of the earth.
I wish Pope Benedict good health and a long and fulfilled retirement.