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Pope Benedict XVI (born Joseph Alois Ratzinger, April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022) was the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. Benedict is a well-known Roman Catholic theologian and a prolific author, a defender of traditional Catholic doctrine and values. During his papacy, Benedict emphasized what he saw as the need for Europe to return to fundamental Christian values in response to increasing de-Christianization and secularization in many developed countries.
On 11 February 2013, after a reign of just under eight years, citing a "lack of strength of mind and body", Benedict announced his resignation, effective 28 February 2013. He is the first pope to voluntarily resign since Celestine V in 1294 (Gregory XII was forced to resign in 1415 as part of the resolution of the Western Schism).
Pope Benedict XVI in "Under St. Peter's"[]
After ascending to the papacy, Pope Benedict XVI was informed that he had one more ritual to complete by a deacon named Giuseppe. Giuseppe revealed to Benedict XVI that he was the member of a secret group within the Church called the Order of the Pipistrelle. He then guided Benedict down into a secret chamber below St. Peter's Basilica, giving broad hints about the nature of the Order. He then presented Benedict XVI with the imprisoned Jesus, who had been transformed into a vampire shortly after he was crucified. As part of tradition, Benedict was fed upon by Jesus.
Benedict was overwhelmed and horrified by the events of the evening. He took strength from the fact that his close friend and predecessor, John Paul II, had under gone the same ritual. Still, he was disturbed by the fact that when he asked Jesus if he was indeed the Son of God, Jesus only replied "You say it."
Literary comment[]
The Pope is never directly named in the text, but the story provides ample clues that make it clear he is indeed Benedict XVI.
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| Preceded by John Paul II |
Pope 2005-2013 |
Succeeded by Francis |
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