Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Alois Ratzinger (1927 - 2013), known by Roman Catholics as Pope Benedict XVI, was the Bishop of Rome, aka the Pope from 2005 to his death in 2013.

He often defended the traditionalist errors of Rome, doubling down on Marian devotion, sacramentalism, and papal authority. Benedict’s firm stance against ecumenical compromise, including his infamous declaration that Protestant churches are not “true churches,” further alienated Reformed Christians. Unlike Pope Francis, who emphasises leaving room for engagement, Benedict stood as an unapologetic defender of Rome's most egregious errors, making him a more direct challenge to biblical Christianity.

Predecessor as Pope: Pope John Paul II

Successor as Pope: Pope Francis I