Jozef Ratcinger Pope since April 2005 Date of Birth: 16.04.1927 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Pope Benedict XVI
2. The Election of Pope Benedict XVI
3. Early Life and Education
4. Role in the Vatican
5. Close Associate of Pope John Paul II

Biography of Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Ratzinger, also known as Pope Benedict XVI, was the Roman Catholic Pope from April 2005. He is often referred to as the "continuator" of the thoughts and actions of Pope John Paul II. Their views on theology and ethics are very similar. Experts on the Vatican describe Ratzinger, also known as the "Pope's tank," as a "firmer edition" compared to his predecessor.

The Election of Pope Benedict XVI

The new head of the Catholic Church was the 78-year-old German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Esteves made the announcement from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which was broadcasted on CNN. Ratzinger chose the name Benedict XVI. He appeared on the balcony alongside Esteves to greet and bless the thousands of Catholics gathered in the square.

Early Life and Education

Josef Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927, in Bavaria, Germany, into a family of a policeman. During the final months of World War II, the future Pope was drafted into the anti-aircraft defense forces. After the war, he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich. At the age of 24, Ratzinger was ordained as a priest and soon began his career as a teacher. In 1969, he became the Vice President of the University of Regensburg. Four years later, Ratzinger was appointed as the Archbishop of Munich.

Role in the Vatican

Since 1981, Ratzinger has been the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which was known as the Inquisition during the Middle Ages and now referred to as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The new Pope is known for his extremely conservative views on the development of the Church. Some Catholics express concerns that this might alienate a portion of the faithful.

Close Associate of Pope John Paul II

Ratzinger was considered one of the closest collaborators of Pope John Paul II. During the illness and after the death of John Paul II, Ratzinger was seen as one of the most likely candidates for the position of the head of the Holy See. On Monday, April 18, 115 cardinals began the election of the new Pope. They locked themselves in the Sistine Chapel and were required to hold up to four rounds of voting per day. Black smoke was seen twice above the chapel, indicating that the candidate being voted on did not receive the necessary number of votes.