He succeeded John Paul II on the papal throne in 2005
Former Pope Benedict XVI has died aged 95, Reuters and DPA reported.
The Vatican made it known. He abdicated nine years ago due to health problems.
His birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, a German by birth.
He succeeded John Paul II on the papal throne in 2005. Ratzinger took the name of Benedict XVI.
In 2013, he became the first pope in 600 years to abdicate the papacy. Benedict, who was 85 at the time, explained his decision by his lack of power to govern the Roman Catholic Church.
Benedict XVI has lived in recent years in the condition of Pope Emeritus in retreat in the building of a former monastery in Vatican territory. He periodically receives visits from the current pope, Francis, for whom, by his own admission, he has great affection and profound respect.
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