Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his 93rd birthday on April 16, which comes three days prior to the 15th anniversary of when he started his Papacy.
Benedict, born Joseph Ratzinger, served as head of the Church and sovereign of the Vatican from April 19, 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II, until his resignation eight years later.
During his Papacy, the German-born ‘Pope Emeritus’ revived a number of Catholic traditions such as promoting the Tridentine Mass and the use of Latin.
He also strengthened the ties between the Church and art, and reintroduced traditional papal garments.
His departure from the post on February 28, 2013 marked the first time a Pope had resigned since Pope Gregory XII in 1415.