Pope Benedict XVI

Papal trip to Africa, March 2009»

Coverage of papal trip to the U.S.»

On April 19, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, and took the name Pope Benedict XVI.

Crowds erupted with shouts and cheers when his name was announced by Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez:  "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!)

The world watches as the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, establshes his pontificate as his own. In this area of osv.com, you'll find news and background information of the Holy Father.

Email him at benedictxvi@vatican.va.

• In His Words
• Travels and News
• Biography
• First Encyclical: Deus Caritas Est--"God Is Love"
• Homilies, addresses, audiences
• Coat of Arms
• Reports from Rome: OSV publisher Greg Erlandson's observations on the conclave
• FREE fact sheet (and link to downloadable PDF)
• Visit the Vatican web site: Benedict XVI
• How a pope is chosen
• Pope Benedict XVI Links
• We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI by Matthew Bunson. Order now.