It saddens me to tell you that former Pope Benedict XVI, who retired from his position in 2013, passed on from this life yesterday at the age of 95. Born on April 16, 1927, in Bavaria, he was named Joseph Ratzinger.
He was ordained in 1951 and promoted to Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. Later that same year, he was promoted to Cardinal. In 2005 he was elected to the papacy.
When Pope Benedict XVI concluded that he was no longer suited to be the Pope due to his advanced age, our current Holy Father, Pope Francis, was elected. The two Popes, the former and the current were often seen together in Vatican City as Pope Benedict lived out his retirement there at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.
Pope Benedict XVI/Joseph Ratzinger wrote many books throughout his lifetime. My personal favorite is his series of books on Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus of Nazareth – Book Series:
Book 1 – From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
Book 2 – Holy Week: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection
Book 3 – The Infancy Narratives
May his soul find peace with our Lord in Heaven.
April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022
- Hope