Pope Benedict XVI was the head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013, and his papacy was marked by a number of significant events and accomplishments. In this video, we'll explore 10 fascinating facts about Pope Benedict XVI that you may not know.


1. Benedict XVI, original name Joseph Alois Ratzinger, Ratzinger’s father was a policeman and his mother a hotel cook

2. In 1941 he was compelled to join the Hitler Youth, and in 1943 he was drafted into the German military, he deserted in April of 1945 and was captured by American forces and held prisoner for a brief period.


3. He became the first Pope to resign in over 600 years on 28 February 2015, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world as he announced his resignation from the papacy. He became the third Pope to step down in the history of Roman Catholicism and also the first to step down in over 600 years.

4. He Retained the status of Pope Upon his resignation from his position as the head of the Roman Catholic, Benedict XVI unlike other Pope who stepped down from Papacy retained the title of the Pope but was preferably referred to as "Pope emeritus".

5. He was first ordained into the priesthood in 1951 where he served in Germany. In 1977, 26 years after being ordained as a priest, he became the archbishop of Munich and Freising. Also, in 1977 shortly after being named archbishop, he was named a cardinal.

6. He made the list of Times Magazine 100 most influential people in the world as Cardinal Ratzinger.

7. on April 19, 2005, becoming at age 78 the oldest newly elected pope since Clement XII (1730–40).

8. Pope Benedict XVI was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger. During the process of becoming Pope in 2005, he chose the name 'Benedict' which means "the blessed" in Latin. His choice of name was inspired by Pope Benedict XV and ancient Italian monk Benedict of Nursia.

9. Pope Benedict XVI became the longestlived pope on 4 September 2020 at 93 years, 4 months, 16 days, eclipsing the age of Pope Leo XIII.


10. Few hours after Pope Francis confirmed the health status of Benedict XVI, he passed away at the age of 95. His demise was announced by the Vatican on Saturday, December 31 after days of struggle with his health.