Benedict XVI

Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927, was the Pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, becoming the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years. A German theologian, he emphasized the importance of faith and reason, and was known for his conservative stance on various social issues. His papacy focused on promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing challenges facing the Catholic Church, such as secularism and scandals. After resigning, he took the title "Pope Emeritus" and lived in the Vatican until his passing in December 2022, influencing theological discourse until the end of his life.