Ep 2. The Resignation of Benedict XVI

Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History season 1 episode 2 titled "The Resignation of Benedict XVI" delves into the papacy of Joseph Ratzinger, the 265th Pope who served from 2005 to 2013. Known as Benedict XVI, he surprised the world by becoming the first pope in more than 700 years to resign.

The episode starts by examining Joseph Ratzinger's early life in Germany and his rapid rise within the Catholic Church. A former theology professor and archbishop of Munich, Joseph Ratzinger was appointed the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's powerful body that guards doctrinal orthodoxy. Known for his conservative views, Ratzinger earned the nickname "God's Rottweiler."

Pope Benedict XVI became known for his conservative views, traditionalism, and staunch opposition to liberal Catholicism. He was a strong advocate of the idea that Vatican II had been incorrectly implemented and that the reforms of that council needed to be scaled back or reversed. This made him a polarizing figure within the Church.

The episode examines Benedict's papacy during a time of scandal and crisis within the Catholic Church, including the ongoing controversy over sexual abuse by priests. While Benedict attempted to deal with these issues, critics contended that he was not proactive enough and that he failed to take swift action to address the crisis.

The episode also explores Benedict's historic decision to resign, citing his advanced age and declining health. Benedict's resignation was a shock to the Catholic world and was unprecedented in modern times. The episode examines the enormous impact of Benedict's decision, especially given the gravity of his predecessors' reign and his conservative ideals.

The episode continues by examining the aftermath of Benedict's resignation and the election of his successor, Pope Francis. The election of Pope Francis, a South American Jesuit known for his progressive views, marked a significant departure from the conservatism of Benedict's papacy. His arrival signaled a shift within the Catholic Church towards a more open and inclusive approach.

Overall, Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History season 1 episode 2 is a compelling exploration of the papacy of Benedict XVI and the dramatic events that defined his eight years as Pope. From his rapid rise within the Church to his controversial reign and his decision to resign, this episode provides a fascinating look at one of the most significant figures in modern Catholic history.