Peggy Noonan on Benedict XV

Peggy Noonan reminds us how it unusual for a leader to "dwell on the virtues of his predecessor." She tells us how Benedict XVI, on the anniversary of john Paul the Great's death moved her: "He spoke of the distilled message of John Paul's reign: 'Be not afraid,' the words 'of the angel of the Resurrection, addressed to the women before the empty tomb.' Which words were themselves a condensed message: Nothing has ended, something beautiful has begun, but you won't understand for a while."

Do read what she has to say.