Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Alois Ratzinger, served as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from April 19, 2005, until his resignation on February 28, 2013. He was the first pope to resign in over 600 years, citing his declining health and diminished strength of mind and body as reasons for stepping down

. After his resignation, Benedict took the title "Pope Emeritus" and lived in a converted monastery in the Vatican gardens. This unprecedented arrangement allowed him to coexist with his successor, Pope Francis, who was elected following Benedict's resignation

. Benedict's resignation was a shock to the world and to the Church, as papal resignations are extremely rare. He had long argued that a pope should step aside if too old or infirm to fulfill the role. His decision paved the way for Pope Francis' election and opened the possibility of future papal resignations

. Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95. His health had been in decline for years. Pope Francis led Benedict's funeral Mass, marking a historic moment as the first time in modern history that a reigning pope eulogized a retired one

. In summary, Pope Benedict XVI resigned due to health reasons, lived as pope emeritus until his death in 2022, and his resignation set a precedent for future popes considering stepping down