Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, known as Pope Benedict XVI, was a significant leader in the Catholic Church, serving as pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. Born in Germany in 1927, he became a renowned theologian and was appointed head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he upheld Catholic teachings. As pope, he focused on issues such as faith renewal, interfaith dialogue, and addressing scandals within the Church. His unexpected resignation made him the first pope to step down in nearly 600 years, and he spent his later years in retirement, writing and reflecting on theology.