Jospeh Aloisius Ratzinger´s Steps as Pope Benedict XVI

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Pope Benedict XVI’s birth name was Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger. He was born on April 16th, 1927. His homeland is Bavaria, Germany and he was born in his parents’ home at 8:30 in the morning. Benedict served as pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. He was elected pope following the death of Pope John Paul II.

Joseph was ordained into the priesthood in 1951. He was considered a highly knowledgeable theologian and was appointed a professor in 1958. His writings defended the Catholic doctrine and values.

Ratzinger was baptized the same day he was born. He was the third child and also was the youngest of three. Benedict’s brother dedicated his life as a catholic as well, and became a priest. Joseph trained in the German infantry. He became a German solider and was a prisoner of war camp. Few months later the US released him at the end of the war in May 1945. Ratzinger became a professor at the University of Bonn in 1959. He had very strong views on topics such as birth control, and homosexuality.

Benedict XVI was elected pope at the age of 78. Since Pope Clement XII, he is the oldest person to be elected pope. He also was the ninth German pope ever.

At the balcony in Saint Peters Benedicts first words to the crowd was as follows:

“Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me a simple, humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with insufficient instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. In the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help, let us move forward. The Lord will help us, and Mary, His Most Holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you.”

Joseph was pope during the First Wo...

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In December 2012, Benedict had joined Twitter. His first tweet was made on December 12th and was:

“Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you form my heart.”

Benedict has many different hobbies and interests. Benedict speaks fluent German, Italian, Spanish, Latin, and English. He also plays piano, and enjoys the composers Beethoven & Mozart. He has a pilot license, and flies the papal helicopter to his summer residence. However, he never learned to drive a car. Benedict loves cats, and owns 2. Bavarian potato ravioli with pancake strips is known as his favorite meal. Benedict was the first pope ever to own an iPod and his stuffed animal from childhood is still in possession. Recently, Benedict celebrated his 81st birthday at the white house and still stays connected on Twitter.

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