Pope Ben edict XVI has lately been in the news because of his recent eight day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Since becoming the successor of the beloved Pope John Paul II in 2005, Pope Benedict has dealt with critics within the Catholic Church who feel his views and approach are too narrow and conservative. He has also drawn criticism because of his statements against the use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS, and his involvement with Hitler Youth during World War II. At the same time there are many who welcome his attempts to return to more traditional values within the Catholic Church while working to increase Mass attendance, which has steeply declined over the years in many countries. So, let's look beyond the praise and the criticism and learn about the man himself.

His Early Years

Pope Benedict, whose birth name is Joseph Ratzinger, was born April 16, 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Germany to Joseph Ratzinger Sr. and Maria (Peintner) Ratzinger. After the outbreak of World War II, he and his family had to move numerous time because his father was opposed to the Nazi regime. But, at the age of 14 while in the seminary, Ratzinger joined the Hitler Youth. This was said to be mandatory for all German boys, but Ratzinger was resistant to the idea and refused to attend any of the meetings.

At the age of 16, while still in seminary, he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit, then trained in the German infantry. In 1945 he deserted his unit then became a prisoner of war, but was released at the end of the war in the summer of the same year. After this he re-entered the seminary and was ordained in Freising, Germany in 1951. A highly devoted and spiritual man, he received a doctorate of theology in 1953 then went on to teach at the University of Bonn and the University of Münster.

Road to the Papal Office

In 1977 Fr. Ratzinger was elected Archbishop of Munich and Freising. In the summer of that year he was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Paul VI. Cardinal Ratzinger then took on many noteworthy positions, such as President of the Commission for the Preparation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Dean of the College of Cardinals.

He presided at the funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II and the following day, April 19, 2005, he was elected the Bishop of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He became the eighth German Pope in history and the oldest Pope to be elected in over 200 years.

Interesting Facts about Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict is known as a quiet, rather shy but very learned man. He fluently speaks French, Italian, Spanish and Latin as well as his native German. He is able to read biblical Hebrew as well as Ancient Greek. He enjoys playing the piano and prefers music by the composers Bach and Mozart. Pope Benedict has a pilot’s license, loves animals and has two cats. As of this time, he was written over 135 theological works.