Benedict XVI

Era: 2005-present

Joseph Alois Ratzinger was born in Bavaria April 16th, 1927 on Holy Saturday. His childhood was spent near the Austrian border not far from Salzburg, an experience he defined as Mozartian. These youthful years were not easy as he saw first-hand the hostile attitude of the Nazis towards the Catholic Church. He was helped by his family’s attitude that always conveyed a deep attachment to their church and a clear witness of their faith in God.

His education included studies in philosophy and theology from 1946 – 1951. The rest of his life has been devoted to scholastic endeavors which have brought him a significant measure of esteem. He is also an accomplished pianist and supporter of the arts.

In June of 1951 he was ordained a priest. Within a few years he received a doctorate in theology. He spent the next twelve years teaching at various German universities where he became known as a subtle thinker and an engaging teacher.

Father Ratzinger made a notable contribution to the Second Vatican Council, attending as an expert advisor to the Archbishop of Cologne. He was thirty-five years old at the time.

Pope Paul VI named him the archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977 and a cardinal later that year. Under John Paul II, he was the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Ratzinger became the most influential person in the Catholic Church after the pope.

On April 19th, 2005, Joseph Ratzinger was elected to succeed John Paul II taking the name of Benedict XVI.

In April of 2008, Pope Benedict traveled to the United States where he was received everywhere with warmth and appreciation. During this very significant journey he visited with the president and his wife, celebrated Mass attended by thousands of people in various locations, addressed representatives of Catholic universities and met with families of disabled children. Additionally, one of the most notable and healing moments of his journey was his meeting with victims of sexual abuse.

In his pontificate Pope Benedict XVI shows himself to be what Newsweek magazine calls more complex and charismatic than many expected.