Josep Ratzinger

Josep Ratzinger, who became Pope Benedict XVI, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, making him the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. Known for his theological expertise, Ratzinger was a prominent figure in the church before his papacy, holding positions such as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. His papacy was marked by efforts to address the sexual abuse crisis within the church, as well as his commitment to traditional Catholic teachings. He was a controversial figure, admired by many for his intellect and criticized by others for his conservative stance on various social issues. Following his resignation, Ratzinger adopted the title of Pope Emeritus and lived a life of prayer and reflection until his death in December 2022.