Religion · Literature · Philosophy · 1927–2022
Born: 16 April 1927 · Died: 31 December 2022 · Age at death: 95
Benedict XVI died aged 95. He was born on 16 April 1927 and died on 31 December 2022.
German theologian who led the Catholic Church from 2005 until 2013, when he became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years
Did you know?He was a talented pianist who particularly enjoyed playing the works of Mozart.
Benedict XVI will be remembered above all for one decision: in 2013 he became the first pope in nearly six hundred years to resign. Born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria, he was one of the Church's leading theologians long before becoming pope in 2005. For many years he led the Vatican office responsible for guarding Catholic doctrine, earning a reputation as a firm defender of tradition. His papacy was overshadowed by the clergy abuse crisis and internal Vatican scandals. By stepping down due to his age and declining strength, he changed what the papacy could look like for his successors.
Pope Benedict XVI (born Joseph Alois Ratzinger; 16 April 1927 – 31 December 2022) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. Following his resignation, he chose to be known as "pope emeritus", a title he held until his death on 31 December 2022.
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Profile
German pope, born 1927
Benedict XVI was born in Marktl on 16 April 1927.
He was born Joseph Ratzinger.
He was Pope from 2005 to 2013.
He was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
Career highlights
Did you know?He was an accomplished pianist with a love of Mozart.
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