CNS PHOTO | GREGORY SHEMITZ The coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted in a stained-glass window.

Honouring Mary as queen, Catholics see her exercising the same kind of regality that Jesus did: one of humility, service and love, Pope Benedict said.

Marking the feast of the Queenship of Mary Aug. 22, the pope said just as Jesus' kingship had nothing to do with earthly power – in fact, Christians recognize him as king when he's on the cross – so Mary's queenship is exercised through obedience to God and helping those who turn to her.

The pope said the feast of Mary's queenship was only added to the liturgical calendar in 1954, but it was the result of centuries of devotion to Mary as queen of heaven and of the universe.

Mary's queenship is a "consequence of her being united with her son, her being in heaven, in communion with God," the pope said.

From heaven, she participates in God's love for the world. She "watches over us, her children."