Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. A theologian and former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he is known for his conservative views on doctrine and the importance of tradition. His papacy focused on reaffirming traditional Catholic teachings, engaging in dialogue with other faiths, and addressing contemporary moral issues. In 2013, he became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, citing advanced age and health concerns, and took the title Pope Emeritus.