Benedict XVI, the Pope Emeritus, has died in Vatican City at the age of 95 following a period of ill health. Benedict, who was the first pontiff in almost 600 years to resign his position, rather than hold office for life, passed away on Saturday, according to a statement from the Vatican. Joseph Ratzinger was born into a traditional Bavarian farming family in 1927 and was appointed pope in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II.
In 2013, Benedict XVI surprised Catholics around the world with his decision to step down, less than eight years after he had been elected Pope.
Pope Benedict then dedicated the remainder of his life to prayer and meditation.
May his soul rest in peace.