We pray, O Lord, that your servant Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who served by your will on earth
as the visible foundation of your Church’s unity, may be happily admitted to your blessed flock. –Various Prayers for the Dead, For a Pope
Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger – April 16, 1927
Ordained Priest – June 29, 1951
Ordained Bishop – Archbishop of München und Freising – May 28, 1977
Created Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino – June 27, 1977
Appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith – November 25, 1981
Created Cardinal-Bishop of Velletri-Segni – April 5, 1993
Confirmed Dean of the College of Cardinals November 30, 2002
Elected Pope Benedict XVI – April 19, 2005
Inaugurated Petrine Ministry – April 24, 2005
Resigned Papacy – February 28, 2013
Entered Eternal Life – December 31, 2022