The Road of Joseph Ratzinger t Pope Ementus Benedict

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church. This is something that started right after the death of Jesus. When Jesus resurrected, he said to St. Peter, “Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep.... Feed my sheep.” This command given to Peter made him the head of the apostles, henceforth, making him the first Pope. Peter would rule for approximately 34 years, and when he died he was succeeded by St. Linus. The tradition of serving as Pope until death was started by Peter and has been carried on for centuries. Since Peter, there have been 264 Popes and very few have not stayed in power until their death. Most recently, and most commonly known, is Pope Benedict XVI. As the successor of John Paul II, Benedict chose to step down due to old age. Despite this, Pope Benedict did great things during his papacy.

On April 6, 1927 Joseph Ratzinger was born. He was born in Germany during World War II. His parents, Joseph and Maria, were both Anti-Nazi Christians and strongly opposed Hitler. His father, who was a policeman, moved the family frequently to avoid Nazi persecution. In fact, they moved four times before Joseph would even turn ten. In order to avoid persecution and the war draft, Ratzinger joined the minor seminary at the age of twelve. However, when he turned fourteen, he was forced to join the Hitler Youth, which was a Nazi Organization that trained young boys. It was mandatory for all teenage boys living in Germany to join the Hitler Youth. During his time in the Hitler Youth, Joseph, who was only 15, witnessed a priest being beaten before serving mass and then beaten again after mass. He witnessed many beatings of Catholics by Nazi soldiers during his time in the Hitler Youth. Since he was p...

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...first time, he was faced with terrible adversity! He had nothing to wear. Everyone in the Vatican was scrambling around trying to find something appropriate but nothing seemed to work or fit. Finally Benedict said just give me anything white. Although this statement was extremely simple it showed the humility of Benedict. He didn’t care what he wore. All he cared about was the Catholic Church and all of its members.

He started off as Joseph Ratzinger, a kid from Germany who unwillingly served in the Nazi army and ended as Pope Emeritus Benedict, one of the most beloved Popes of all time. His life was a roller coaster, however it has now calmed down. He continues to spend his final days in the Vatican monastery where he continues to pray and follow in the footsteps of Christ while he waits for inevitable the time when he will join Jesus Christ in heaven.