Former Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31st, 2022. Pope Benedict XVI was the first Pope in 600 years to retire rather than serve till death the pope who resigned before him was Pope Gregory XII in 1415.  Pope Benedict XVI served as Pope from April 19th, 2005 till February 28th, 2013, and was born April 16th, 1927. He had a rather short 8 years as Pope before retiring citing his old age as the reason. After his resignation, he wished to be referred to as Pope Emeritus. His reign had multiple controversies including but not limited to: 

 

2006: Pope Benedict XVI sparks protests from the Muslim world after referencing a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who said that Islam had only brought evil to the world, he would publicly apologize saying he was “deeply sorry” about Muslim reaction saying he was misunderstood.

 

2009: Pope Benedict XVI causes uproar by lifting the ex-communication of 4 ultra-traditional bishops including a holocaust denier.

 

2010: Pope Benedict XVI has a 2-day trip to Spain where he attacks same-sex marriage and abortion recently legislated in Spain.

 

2012: Infamous scandal called the “Vatileaks” exposing infighting and dysfunctionality at the heart of the Church’s central administration.

 

2013: Pope Benedict XVI announces his intention to resign on February 11th shocking cardinals, he then resigned on February 28th

 

2022: An independent report in Germany alleges Benedict failed to act against 4 cases of sexual abuse when he was Archbishop of Munich.