Collection: 📚 Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger)

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria in 1927, was a brilliant theologian who served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith before being elected pope in 2005 following the death of St. John Paul II. Known for his deep intellect, humility, and love for the truth, he led the Church through turbulent cultural times with clarity and gentleness. In a historic act of humility and discernment, he resigned the papacy in 2013—the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years—retiring to a life of prayer until his death in 2022.

Lived: 1927 – 2022 | Papacy: 2005 – 2013