Pope Benedict XVI

Born Joseph Ratzinger in Bavaria, Benedict XVI was a distinguished theologian who, as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under John Paul II, became one of the Church's most influential intellectual figures. As pope he wrote on faith, hope, and love, defended classical Christian doctrine, sought reconciliation with traditionalists, and promoted dialogue between faith and reason. His pontificate confronted the deepening clergy abuse crisis, with mixed assessments of his response. In 2013 he made history by resigning, the first pope to do so voluntarily in roughly six centuries, citing declining strength. He lived nearly a decade more as pope emeritus.