“In reality, I am more a professor, one who reflects and mediates on spiritual questions. Practical governance is not my strong point, and this is certainly a weakness. But I do not see myself as a failure. For eight years, I carried out my work.”

German Catholic theologian and pontiff of the 21st century, Benedict XVI served as Pope from 2005 to 2013. His papacy was marked by a deep engagement with tradition, a nuanced approach to modernity, and a focus on dialogue with other faiths. He was also a scholar and philosopher before his election, known for his work on early Christianity and the relationship between faith and reason.