Is the widespread adoration and fascination with Pope Benedict because he's the Pope? Or what he has done?

I think you would have to be a catholic to understand the fascination with the pope. Now when I was in Rome on vacation, I was in aw of being there and seeing where he lives and I'm not catholic, but was one once. I think people think of him like a president or something, either that or it is just all the catholics that want to see their leader.