The Pope is the bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church. This is something that began immediately after the death of Jesus. When Jesus was resurrected, he said to St. Peter, “Feed my lambs… Feed my sheep… Feed my sheep.” This command given to Peter made him head of the apostles, henceforth, making him the first Pope. Peter ruled for about 34 years and when he died he was succeeded by Saint Linus. The tradition of serving as Pope until death was started by Peter and has been carried on for centuries. Since the time of Peter, there have been 264 Popes and very few have remained in power until their deaths. The most recent, and most commonly known, is Pope Benedict XVI. As successor to John Paul II, Benedict chose to resign due to old age. Despite this, Pope Benedict did great things during his pontificate. Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 6, 1927. He was born in Germany during World War II. His parents, Joseph and Maria, were both anti-Nazi Christians and staunchly opposed Hitler. His father, who was a policeman, often moved the family to avoid Nazi persecution. In fact, they moved four times before Joseph even turned ten. To avoid persecution and the war draft, Ratzinger entered the minor seminary at the age of twelve. However, when he turned fourteen, he was forced to join the Hitler Youth, a Nazi organization that trained young boys. It was mandatory for all teenagers living in Germany to join the Hitler Youth. During his time in the Hitler Youth, Joseph, who was only 15 years old, witnessed a priest being beaten before serving mass and then beaten again after mass. During his time in the Hitler Youth he witnessed numerous beatings of Catholics by Nazi soldiers. Since he was halfway there for the first time, he faced terrible adversity! He had nothing to wear. Everyone in the Vatican was scrambling to find something appropriate, but nothing seemed to work or fit. Finally Benedict said give me something white. Although this statement was extremely simple, it showed Benedict's humility. He didn't care what he wore. All he cared about was the Catholic Church and all its members. He began as Joseph Ratzinger, a German boy who served against his will in the Nazi army and ended as Pope Emeritus Benedict, one of the most beloved Popes of all time. Her life was a roller coaster, but now it has calmed down. He continues to spend his final days in the Vatican monastery where he continues to pray and follow in the footsteps of Christ as he awaits the inevitable moment when he will join Jesus Christ in heaven..