Benedikt XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, was the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He served from April 19, 2005, until his resignation on February 28, 2013. Known for his theological expertise, he was a prominent figure in the church before becoming pope, having served as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. His papacy focused on issues such as faith, reason, and the importance of tradition. Benedikt XVI was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, citing health reasons. After his resignation, he took the title "Pope Emeritus" and lived in the Vatican until his death on December 31, 2022.