Pope Benedict, XVI Author

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI on April 19, 2005, and became the 264th successor to Peter as the "Vicar of Jesus Christ." He may well be the most accomplished theologian to be elected Pope in modern times. Beginning in 1981 he spent over 20 years as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a role often depicted as the "defender of the faith." Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi is the current President of the Pontifical Council for Culture.