"Pope Francis Honors Benedict XVI's Legacy Amid Reflections on Their Divergent Views on Same-Sex Blessings"

Pope Francis commemorated the first death anniversary of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with a tribute and a round of applause in St. Peter's Square. Benedict XVI, remembered as a great theologian and a man of deep faith, was the first pope in 600 years to resign, leading to the election of Francis and an unprecedented situation of two living popes in the Vatican. The legacy of Benedict XVI continues to be honored, with his longtime secretary expressing hope for his sainthood, while Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni praised his intellectual contributions. Pope Francis also addressed recent violence in Nigeria and a tanker truck explosion in Liberia during his speech.