Why Evangelical Leaders Love Pope Benedict XVI (And His Resignation)

Pope Benedict XVI, who announced his resignation Monday after eight years as head of the Roman Catholic Church, will leave a legacy of strong theology, cooperation with evangelicals and a hardline conservative stance on social issues, evangelical leaders and observers say.
As pope, the German Joseph Ratzinger championed a 'culture of life' on issues such as abortion, encouraged the 'new evangelism' of the church, and issued the first papal tweet. Benedict, 85, cited age and deteriorating strength as reasons for his resignation.