1. Pope Benedict XVI His Life Story

2. Joseph Alois Ratzinger was born in Bavaria on April 16, 1927. It was Holy Saturday and he was baptised that day. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

3. In 1943, at the age of 16, he was drafted into the "Flak" or anti-aircraft corps and spent two years in the military. At the end of the war he spent 6 weeks in an Allied POW camp. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

4. From 1946 to 1951 he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich and at the Advanced Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Freising. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1951. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

5. In 1953 he obtained a doctorate in theology with his thesis titled: "The People and House of God in St. Augustine’s doctrine of the Church". Four years later he began teaching dogma and fundamental theology at university. From 1969, he was a professor of dogmatic theology and of the history of dogma at the University of Regensburg. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

6. In 1968, he published "Introduction to Christianity", a collection of university lectures on the profession of the apostolic faith and in 1973 "Dogmas and Revelation", an anthology of essays, sermons and reflections on pastoral ministry. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

7. In 1962 at the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), he served as a "peritus" or chief theological expert to Josef Cardinal Frings of Cologne, Germany. (Pictured with fellow theologian Karl Rahner) Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

8. In March 1977 he became archbishop of Munich and Freising, and in June was named a cardinal by Pope Paul VI. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

9. He chaired the Commission for the Preparation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church from 1986-92. In 2002 the Pope approved Cardinal Ratzinger's election to the post of Dean of the College of Cardinals. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

10. In November 1981 he was nominated by John Paul II Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; President of the Biblical Commission and of the Pontifical International Theological Commission. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

11. He was a close friend and confidant of John Paul II and delivered the homily at his funeral. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

12. His role has been to explain and defend Church teachings. Some of the more controversial issues include contraception, abortion, homosexuality, divorce, women priests and married priests. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

13. He was elected Pope on April 19, 2005 and will be formally installed as Pope Benedict XVI during the Mass of Papal Installation on April 24, 2005. Pope Benedict XVI – His Life Story

14. This may be downloaded and used free of charge for non- commercial use. It is our understanding that all images are copyright free, if this is not the case please alert us at pdobbie@churchresources.com.au and we will address this immediately.pdobbie@churchresources.com.au Collated by Peter Dobbie and Bethany Teulan