A resolution commemorating the life and service of Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, and congratulating Pope Francis on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

offers its congratulations to Pope Francis as he embarks on the sacred burden as the leader of the world’s 1,200,000,000 Catholics; and

extends its gratitude and well-wishes to Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, for his service to the world community as he enters the next phase of his devotion to the Church in solemn prayer and reflection.