Highlights from the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
FILE - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI attends a consistory led by Pope Francis inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Feb. 22, 2014. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the German theologian who will be remembered as the first pope in 600 years to resign, has died, the Vatican announced Saturday. He was 95. – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the first pope in 600 years to resign, has died. Here are highlights from his life.
April 19, 2005: Elected 265th pope in one of the fastest conclaves in history. Choosing name Benedict XVI, he says he is merely a “simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.”Aug. 18-21, 2005: First foreign trip, to World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany.Dec. 25, 2005: First encyclical “God is Love” signed. Released Jan. 25, 2006.Sept.
April 20, 2008: During visit to United States, prays for victims of Sept. 11, 2001 attacks at ground zero. March 17, 2009: En route to Cameroon, tells reporters aboard papal plane that condoms are not the solution to AIDS and can make problem worse, prompting widespread criticism. May 1, 2010: Orders major overhaul of Legion of Christ after Vatican investigation determines founder was a fraud.
Oct. 6, 2012 Pope’s former butler is convicted on charges he stole the pontiff’s private letters and leaked them to a journalist. April 28, 2014: Joins Francis on altar to canonize St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII, the first time a reigning and retired pope celebrate Mass together.