Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI (born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013.

Pope Benedict XVI (born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. He became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign from the papacy and later served as pope emeritus until his death in 2022. He was the first German pope in centuries.

Early life and education

Joseph Ratzinger was born on 16 April 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. He studied theology and philosophy and was ordained a priest in 1951. He later became known for his academic work in Catholic theology.

Church career before the papacy

Ratzinger taught at several German universities and was appointed archbishop of Munich in 1977. In 1981, he became prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a major Vatican office.

Papacy

He was elected pope on 19 April 2005 after the death of John Paul II and chose the name Benedict XVI. His pontificate lasted until 28 February 2013 and focused on Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and the church’s role in the modern world.

Resignation and later life

Benedict XVI announced his resignation in 2013, citing advanced age and declining strength. He resigned on 28 February 2013, becoming the first pope to do so in almost 600 years. He lived in retirement at the Vatican as pope emeritus until his death on 31 December 2022 at the age of 95.