From 1981 - 2005, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was appointed head of the Catholic Church's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, whose mission is to "to promote and safeguard the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world" (John Paul II).

On April 19, 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected by his fellow Cardinals to the throne of St. Peter, Bishop of Rome, Shepherd of the Holy Catholic Church. The Cardinal Ratzinger Fan Club remains as a tribute to Joseph, now Benedict, for his service to the Church -- an online resource for his writings and addresses as priest, prefect and theologian prior to his election.

ith the advent of his pontificate, the world may come to appreciate him as we always have: a Christian whose faith, honesty, integrity and unswerving devotion to the Truth is readily apparent.

We encourage you to visit our new website, The Pope Benedict XVI Fan Club.