Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died Saturday, asked for forgiveness from those he had 'wronged' in his final letter published by the Vatican.
The former pope left a complicated legacy following his resignation in 2005, but his spiritual testament, dated Aug. 29, 2006, also focused on gratitude.Benedict's letter gives thanks to his family, friends, teachers, students and to God — "the giver of every good gift," he writes.
"What I said before to my countrymen, I now say to all those in the Church who have been entrusted to my service: Stand firm in the faith! Do not let yourselves be confused!" He concludes with: "Pray for me, so that the Lord, despite all my sins and insufficiencies, welcomes me into the eternal dwellings. To all those entrusted to me, day by day, my heartfelt prayer goes out."