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.