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Benedict XVI: the papacy of the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger began on April 19, 2005, following his election to succeed John Paul II. The German Ratzinger had established himself as a highly regarded theologian and was made a cardinal in 1977. During the pontificate of John Paul II, Ratzinger would become one of his closest confidants. Although not as well traveled as his predecessor, Pope Benedict did travel extensively during his almost eight years as pontiff.
 
He is remembered as the first pope in almost 600 years to relinquish the papacy, when he retired in 2013, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body". Upon his retirement, he was given the title of Pope Emeritus, which he retained until his death on December 31, 2022.
 
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Election of Pope Benedict XVI 
150th Anniversary of the L'Osservatore Romano Issue 
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Inauguration of Pope Joh Paul II Scott 1295-1297 (2005)
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SOME OF THE COUNTRIES VISITED BY POPE BENEDICT XVI (2005 to 2012):
 
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2005: Germany: World Youth Day and return to homeland (Scott 1330, 2006) 
2006: Turkey (Scott 1369, 2007) 
2007: Austria (Scott 1391, 2008) 
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2008: United States/United Nations (Scott 1385, 2008) 
2008: France (Scott 1419, 2009) 
2009: Holy Land (Scott 1456, 2010) 
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2010: Cyprus (Scott 1487, 2011) 
2011: San Marino (Scott 1509, 2012) 
2012: Mexico and Cuba (Scott 1542, 2013)
 		 			 			 			 	
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Pope Benedict XVI: 80th Birthday Scott 1347-1349 (2007)</center>
 
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Pope Benedict XVI: 60th Anniversary of Ordination Scott 1474-1477 (2011)</center>
 
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 Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: 90th Birthday Scott 1650 (2017)</center>
 
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Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Scott 1814 (2023)</center>

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