Pope Benedict XVI’s Life In Photos

From the Hitler Youth to @Pontifex.

1. 1932:

As a 5-year-old in Bavaria, Germany. Benedict XVI was born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.

Image by AP

2. 1944:

Ratzinger joined the Hitler Youth at age 14 — it’s since been said that he was an “unenthusiastic” member. Here, at 17, he was drafted into the Luftwaffenhelfer.

Via: welt.de

3. 1951:

Standing on the right, with his family, after he and his brother (standing left) were ordained.

Image by German Catholic News Agency

4. Mid-1950s:

Via: snpcultura.org

5. 1958:

As a professor of theology in Germany, age 31.

Image by CBA

6. 1960s:

Via: theratzingerforum.yuku.com

7. 1971:

With Hans Maier (center), Bavarian Minister of Education, and Abbot Augustin Mayer (right), a future cardinal.

8. 1977:

Ratzinger is appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising.

Image by AP

9. 1980:

With Pope John Paul II, his close friend. One year later, Ratzinger would be appointed President of the International Theological Commission, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and President of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

10. 1982:

Image by AP

11. 1985:

At a press conference at the Vatican. During this year, Ratzinger wrote and signed a letter in which he resisted removing a California priest accused of abusing children.

Image by AP

12. 1986:

Image by Gianni Giansanti/Sygma/Corbis

13. 1990:

Via: traditioninaction.org

14. 1993:

Ratzinger becomes the Cardinal-Bishop of Velletri-Segni.

Image by Gianni Giansanti/Sygma/Corbis

15. 1999:

In Ratzinger Heights with friends and family.

Via: theratzingerforum.yuku.com

16. 2002:

Ratzinger becomes the Dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia.

Image by Gianni Giansanti

17. 2005:

At St. Peter’s Basilica, on the day he became Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th Pope.

Image by Domenico Stinellis/FILE / AP

18. 2008:

At Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

Image by Philippe Wojazer, Pool, File / AP

19. 2012:

Tweeting.

Image by Gregorio Borgia / AP