Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
                  
Apr 16, 1927: Born Joseph Alois Ratzinger in Germany, son of policeman. Lives through Nazi rule during childhood

1951: Ordained into priesthood

1977: Appointed cardinal by Pope Paul VI

1982: Leaves post as archbishop of Munich to become head of Congregation of the Doctrine
of the Faith – uncompromising conservative views earn him nickname of “God’s Rottweiler.” Responsibilities include dealing with cases of child abuse by Catholic priests

Apr 19, 2005: Appointed Pope following death of John Paul II – 264th successor to St Peter takes name of Benedict XVI

Sep 2006: In his Regensberg Lecture, Benedict antagonises Muslims by appearing to suggest that Islam is inherently violent

Apr 2008: Benedict meets victims of abuse by priests during visit to U.S. – Church has paid $2 billion to victims since 1992
   
Mar 2010: Benedict apologizes to victims of child sex abuse by Irish clergy, saying he feels “shame and remorse”
         
2012: “Vatileaks” scandal. Documents leaked to media reveal feuding, allegations of corruption and mishandling of finances within Holy See

2013: Benedict becomes first pope to retire from papacy in 600 years, citing poor health
   
Dec 31, 2022: Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at age 95

Jan 5, 2023: Pope Francis presides over Benedict’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square.
Benedict’s body will be interred in Vatican Grottoes, beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
              

Sources: Boston College, New Yorker, Reuters 
Picture: Getty Images 
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