Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Dies Aged 95
Former Pope Benedict XVI, who led the Catholic Church from 2005 until his historic resignation in 2013, has died at the age of 95. He stepped down citing declining physical and mental health, becoming the first Pope to resign in over 600 years since 1415.
From God’s Rottweiler to Pope
Born Joseph Ratzinger in 1927, he was 78 when elected Pope, making him one of the oldest pontiffs ever. Before his papacy, Cardinal Ratzinger spent 24 years heading the Vatican’s doctrinal department, earning the fierce nickname “God’s Rottweiler” for his staunch conservative views.
Pope Francis Pays Tribute
Pope Francis often visited Benedict at the Master Ecclesiae monastery inside the Vatican after his resignation. On December 1, during his final audience of the year, Francis urgently asked the faithful to “pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict,” revealing the former pontiff was gravely ill.
End of an Era
The Vatican confirmed Benedict’s death on Saturday morning, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Church history characterised by his rare decision to step down and his conservative influence on Catholic doctrine.
