Benedict XVI
Date of Birth: 16.04.1927
Place of Birth. Education. Joseph Alois Ratzinger was born in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn (Germany). He was the third and youngest child of Joseph Ratzinger, a gendarmerie commissioner, and Maria Ratzinger. At the beginning of World War II, he joined the Hitler Youth. At the end of the war, he was conscripted for service in air defense in Munich. Ratzinger did not have to participate in combat. As American troops approached, he deserted, returned home, but was soon arrested. He spent several months in a prisoner-of-war camp.
He obtained his degree in theology and philosophy at the University of Munich between 1946 and 1951.
Priestly Ordination. In June 1951, he was ordained a priest. In 1953, he defended his dissertation on the legacy of Saint Augustine and became one of Germany's leading theologians. From 1959, he taught at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Bonn.
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In 1972, he founded the theological journal Communio in response to anti-clerical publications, which continues to this day.
On June 27, 1977, he was appointed Cardinal.
On November 25, 1981, he took over the leadership of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (also known as the Holy Inquisition, renamed in 1908 by Pope Pius X).
On November 30, 2002, Ratzinger became Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Pontificate. On April 19, 2005, he was elected Pope (265th in the line). He chose the name Benedict XVI.
He was the oldest pope at his election since Pope Clement XII (elected in 1730). Benedict XVI was also the first pope since Pope Paul IV (in the 16th century) to be elected as Dean of the College of Cardinals. Furthermore, Pope Benedict XVI was the first Cardinal Bishop to be elected since Pope Pius VIII, as well as the first Cardinal since Pope Benedict XIII to be a Cardinal long after his election to the pontificate (28 years).
Benedict XVI is fluent in German, Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish. He reads texts in Ancient Greek and Hebrew.
Benedict XVI is the author of books such as 'Introduction to Christianity', 'A New Song for the Lord', 'Servant of Your Joy'.
In 2007, Benedict XVI celebrated his 80th birthday. On this occasion, a German radio station broadcast its program in Latin. In his birthplace, a museum was opened, showcasing numerous family relics, theological works by Joseph Ratzinger, and various souvenirs. In the beer halls, anniversary beer was served, and a special 'papal' chocolate was sold in the cafés.
Resignation. In February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI voluntarily resigned. On March 13, 2013, the Conclave of Cardinals elected Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new Pope Francis. Benedict XVI received the honorary title of Pope Emeritus.
Death. Benedict XVI died on the morning of December 31, 2022, at the age of 95 in his residence in the Vatican monastery.
01.02.2023