Benedikts XVI

Benedikts XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, served as Pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, becoming the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. His papacy was marked by a focus on traditional Catholic doctrine and a commitment to addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis. He was also known for his theological writings and efforts to foster dialogue between different faiths. Benedikt XVI's last foreign trip was to Lebanon in September 2012, where he called for peace in the Middle East.