Pope Francis praises Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's "kindness"

Pope Francis has praised Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's "kindness" in his first public comments since the death of the retired pontiff. Francis thanked Benedict on Saturday for "his testimony of faith and prayer, especially in these final years of retired life."

Speaking during a New Year's Eve vigil, Francis said only God knew "of his sacrifices offered for the good of the church." 

Pope Francis is set to celebrate Benedict's funeral Mass on Thursday, the first time in the modern age that a current pope will eulogize a retired one.