Pope Benedict XVI: 6 things you may not have known about him

The Vatican’s spokesman, Matteo Bruni, announced in a statement that Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Benedict the Great was 95 years old. His health had suddenly deteriorated as a result of getting older.

Read Also: Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95

In lieu of the passing of the late pope, ejesgist.ng has curated some Facts about the late pope.

Birth

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, named pope Benedict XVI, was born on April 16, 1927, in Marktl, a town in southeast Germany, not far from the Austrian border. His early years were shaped by his faith and by World War II.

Worked for the German military

He was conscripted into the German army in 1943 while still a seminarian.

Ratzinger participated in an anti-aircraft unit for two years. Later, after he had deserted, the US military had captured him.

Religious ordination

On June 29, 1951, Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber of Munich performed the ordination of Ratzinger in Freising.

Papacy

At the age of 78, Benedict XVI was chosen as the 265th pope. Since Pope Clement XII, he was the oldest candidate to be elected pope (1730–1740).

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Name Selection

Ratzinger named himself Pope Benedict, which is a Latin word that means “the blessed,” in honour of Benedict XV and Benedict of Nursia.

Resignation

Due to his advanced age, Pope Benedict announced his resignation as head of the Roman Catholic Church on February 28, 2013, making him the first pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415.

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