What was the birth name of Pope Benedict XVI, who was in office from 2005-2013?
Understand the Problem
The question asks for the birth name of Pope Benedict XVI, who was the head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013.
Answer
Josef Ratzinger
The birth name of Pope Benedict XVI was Joseph Alois Ratzinger, so the correct answer is Josef Ratzinger.
Answer for screen readers
The birth name of Pope Benedict XVI was Joseph Alois Ratzinger, so the correct answer is Josef Ratzinger.
More Information
Pope Benedict XVI was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Tips
It's easy to confuse popes' birth names with their chosen papal names. Remember that the papal name is chosen upon election, while the birth name is the name given at birth.
Sources
- Pope Benedict XVI - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Pope Benedict XVI | Biography, Pope, Papacy, Resignation, Legacy, & Facts - britannica.com
- A timeline of Pope Benedict XVI's life and papacy - America Magazine - americamagazine.org
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