The eyes who see Christ

Dear Pope Benedict,
When you were elected Pope, I felt a lot of tenderness in my heart. I knew that many people weren't too happy about it. Your election was preceded by a lot of prejudices. And of course it is no small thing to be the successor of the great Pope John Paul II.
I have been accompanying you with my prayers everyday, asking God to give you the strength to carry such a difficult mission. Yours must be a lonely life. I remember that in one of the meetings you had with young people somebody asked you if you feel lonely. In your simplicity you answered that question and it brought tears to my eyes and a great hope in my heart.
As I follow your messages, your writings, your speeches, your answers to questions, more and more I become fascinated with your person. More and more I am convinced that God gives us the right shepherd at the right time.
I admire the clarity of your thought, how you are able to communicate with the widest range of people: children, youth, adults, intellectuals, etc.
I admire your meekness and gentleness. You say that truth doesn't need to be imposed on anyone because it has a force of its own.
You convey your principles, the truths you believe in, not through the brilliance and eloquence of your speech, but through the calmness that your words and your gestures transmit. No grandstanding, as if you are always aware that your presence should point to The Presence.
Your eyes communicate the transparency of your soul. Just looking at your eyes gives me a sense of peace.
Most of all, thank you for reminding us, repeatedly, that faith is an encounter with a Person, nay, it is an encounter with The Person of the One who has always loved us. That was your first message. That is your constant message: "There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him."
And you do just that, Pope Benedict.
Thank you for sharing with us your friendship with Jesus Christ and for reminding us that it is the most exciting adventure of our life.
God bless you, Pope Benedict XVI!