Photos: Pope Benedict XVI through the years

Image 0 of 26

Through the years VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DECEMBER 31: Pope Benedict XVI leads the First Vespers and Te Deum prayers at St. Peter's Basilica on December 31, 2009 in Vatican City, Vatican. On new year's eve two different perspectives converge; one is the end of the calendar year, the other is the solemn liturgy of Mary, which concludes with the Octave of the Nativity. The first event is common to everyone, the second is for believers. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Through the years EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 16: Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict XVI leave to meet school children outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, on September 16, 2010 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Pope Benedict XVI is conducting the first state visit to the UK by a Pontiff. During the four day visit Pope Benedict will celebrate mass, conduct a prayer vigil as well as beatify Cardinal Newman at an open air mass in Cofton Park. His Holiness will meet The Queen as well as political and religious representatives. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Through the years VENICE, ITALY - MAY 07: Pope Benedict XVI (R), accompanied by Angelo Scola, Patriarch of Venice greets the crowd gathered in St Mark's Square while crossing the square on an electric vehicle on May 7, 2011 in Venice, Italy. Pope Benedict XVI is visiting Venice until May 8, some 26 years after his predecessor Pope John Paul II last visited the city. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images) (Marco Secchi/Getty Images)

Through the years ERFURT, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead morning mass at Domplatz square in front of the Erfurter Dom cathedral on September 24, 2011 in Erfurt, Germany. The Pope later lead morning mass for tens of thosands of assembled pilgrims. The Pope is in Erfurt on the third of a four-day visit to Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Through the years FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Benedict XVI arrives riding in the popemobile at Freiburg fair grounds for celebrating a vigil with young people on September 24, 2011 in Freiburg, Germany. The Pope is in Freiburg on the third of a four-day visit to Germany, and he will conclude his trip with an open air Sunday mass tomorrow near Freiburg. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images) (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Through the years VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: Pope Benedict XVI kisses a child as he arrives in St Peter's Square for his final general audience on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Through the years ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims, for the last time as head of the Catholic Church, from the window of Castel Gandolfo where he will start his retirement today on February 28, 2013 in Rome, Italy. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He will stay at the Papal Summer residence of Castel Gandolfo until renovations are complete at a monastery in the grounds of the Vatican and will be known as Roman Pope Emeritus. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Through the years ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: Pope Benedict XVI walks away for the last time as head of the Catholic Church, from the window of Castel Gandolfo where he will start his retirement today on February 28, 2013 in Rome, Italy. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He will stay at the Papal Summer residence of Castel Gandolfo until renovations are complete at a monastery in the grounds of the Vatican and will be known as Roman Pope Emeritus. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Through the years VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 14: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis attend the Ordinary Public Consistory at St. Peter's Basilica on February 14, 2015 in Vatican City, Vatican. In addition to 15 new electors, Pope Francis named five new cardinals who are over the age of 80 and, therefore, ineligible to vote in a conclave. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

December 28, 2022 at 8:13 am EST

Latest Photo Galleries

Photos: Deadly shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island

Photos: Deadly shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island

December 13, 2025 at 6:45 pm EST

Woman suffers minor injuries after driving into a Dollar Tree in Worcester

Woman suffers minor injuries after driving into a Dollar Tree in Worcester

December 12, 2025 at 8:38 pm EST

Photos: House Democrats release photos of Trump, Clinton, and Andrew from Epstein’s estate

Photos: House Democrats release photos of Trump, Clinton, and Andrew from Epstein’s estate

December 12, 2025 at 10:57 am EST

Photos: Vehicle damaged in road rage shooting on I-495

Photos: Vehicle damaged in road rage shooting on I-495

December 12, 2025 at 7:14 am EST

Bruins unveil 2026 NHL Stadium Series uniform

Bruins unveil 2026 NHL Stadium Series uniform

December 11, 2025 at 8:33 pm EST

Photos: Forensic scientist in Brian Walshe trial testifies about items that tested positive for blood

Photos: Forensic scientist in Brian Walshe trial testifies about items that tested positive for blood

December 08, 2025 at 3:18 pm EST

Cambridge police seeking public’s help in search for two people brandishing weapons

Cambridge police seeking public’s help in search for two people brandishing weapons

December 05, 2025 at 6:29 pm EST

Photos: President Donald Trump awarded first-ever FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup draw

Photos: President Donald Trump awarded first-ever FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup draw

December 05, 2025 at 3:54 pm EST

Photos: 2026 FIFA World Cup groups unveiled

Photos: 2026 FIFA World Cup groups unveiled

December 05, 2025 at 3:06 pm EST

Photos: Dog found 'barely' alive during traffic stop in West Bridgewater

Photos: Dog found 'barely' alive during traffic stop in West Bridgewater

December 04, 2025 at 7:39 am EST

Apps Download Button

Photos: Remembering Rob Reiner

Director Rob Reiner, wife found dead in Los Angeles home

DoorDash customer says driver sprayed ‘irritant substance’ on delivery; sheriff investigates

Skydiver dangles from plane’s tail when reserve parachute accidentally deploys

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore charged