Francis lauds Benedict's prayerful life in book forward
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pope Francis caresses a child at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Fabio Frustaci) (The Associated Press)
Pope Francis is paying homage to his predecessor in the forward of a new book, saying Pope Benedict XVI's decision to retire to a life of prayer is a lesson to all priests that their main job is to pray for others.
The book, "Teach and Learn the Love of God," is the first of a collection of texts by the German theologian. It will be presented to Benedict at a Vatican ceremony Tuesday marking the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
The event will mark another rare occasion in which the reigning and retired popes will be together.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In the forward, Francis says Benedict's prayer-filled life is the "decisive factor" of the priesthood: "The first and most important service isn't managing current affairs but praying for others without interruption."