Pope John Paul II ordained Cardinal Ratzinger the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in November 1981. Afterwards, he was named Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni in 1993, and Dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Bishop of Ostia in 2002. Joseph Ratzinger was one of the most important people in the Vatican and a close associate of John Paul II before his Popedom – so close that he officiated in both John Paul II’s funeral and the 2005 Conclave that elected him. The sede vacante, or vacant seat, caused by his resignation was the highest level of vacancy at the Church for ages.
Benedict was a strict traditionalist who strongly adhered to ancient principles of papacy. As a Cardinal, he wrote the book Truth and Tolerance, which condemns tolerance, as a reason to deviate from what he believes to be the truth. He was a strong critic of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and abortion, who handled sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church poorly. Furthermore, his opposition to usage of condoms in areas of high HIV transmission, despite their effectiveness in preventing the spread of HIV, led to substantial criticism from public health officials, anti-AIDS activists, and victims’ rights organizations.
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Benedict XVI consistently adhered to the decisions of Vatican Council II, especially the contents of the Nostra Aetate. This document emphasizes mutual respect with the adherents of other religions, and is a statement of freedom in the choice and exercise of religious faith. Oddly enough, he was found to espouse liberal views during the Council: as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Ratzinger explained the position of the Catholic Church relative to other faiths in the Dominus Iesus paper, which also expounds on dialog between churches.
Good and bad, he did his best and acted the best in his faith. Rest in peace, His Holiness. We pray for your soul. (rp)