I have not had the time or the inclination to wade through the commentary on Pope Benedict’s unexpected resignation, but I assume that much of it is angry, vituperative, and dismissive, because such commentary is one of the hallmarks of our degraded age.  I wanted instead to offer a brief note of gratitude for Benedict’s service as Pope.   Benedict is transparently a decent, gentle, humble, and holy man, and I have profited greatly by reading his works and listening to his words.  May his successor build on his example.