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,” struck and ironic note for Reformed Christians. Benedict stood as an unapologetic defender of Rome's most egregious errors, making him a more direct challenge to biblical Christianity.

Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. ¹⁵ And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:14-15

Predecessor as Pope: Pope John Paul II

Successor as Pope: Pope Francis I