Pope emeritus Benedict XVI turns 92
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI turns 92 today. Pope Francis visited him on the eve of his birthday, with the Vatican publishing a photo from the visit.
Benedict XVI's day will be spent in private celebration. It is unknown if he will raise a pint of beer, as he has in previous years, or if his brother Georg will come in town to celebrate with him.
He was born in Bavaria as Joseph Ratzinger and was elected pope at age 78. He served from 2005 until his monumental resignation in 2013.
A noted theologian, he had been Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1981 until his election as pope in 2005.
He grew up with a deep love for music, even receiving two honorary doctorates in Sacred Music in 2015.
This year, his birthday is overshadowed by the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In 2008, the pope emeritus spoke to young people from inside the cathedral, while commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes.
