Born in 1927, Joseph Ratzinger taught theology for 25 years in Germany before being appointed Archbishop of Munich.
He then became the strict guardian of the dogma of the Church for another quarter of a century in Rome, then pope for eight years (2005-2013), succeeding John Paul II.
As head of the Catholic Church, he defended a conservative line, notably on abortion, homosexuality or euthanasia.
>> Also listen to the RTSreligion chronicle on the theological heritage of Benedict XVI:
Incomprehension
His statements have sometimes created misunderstanding, such as on Islam, the use of condoms once morest HIV or the excommunication of four fundamentalist bishops in 2009.
His pontificate was also marked in 2012 by the leak of confidential documents (“Vatileaks”) orchestrated by his personal butler. The scandal had exposed a Roman Curia (Vatican government) plagued by intrigue and devoid of financial rigour.
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