'''Benedict XVI''' (Latin: Benedictus PP. XVI), born '''Joseph Alois Ratzinger''', is the 265th and current [[Pope]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], and by virtue of that office, [[w:Sovereign|Sovereign]] of the [[w:Vatican|Vatican City State]]. He was elected on [[April 19]], 2005 in a [[papal conclave]], celebrated his Papal Inauguration [[Mass]] on [[April 24]], 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the [[Basilica of St. John Lateran]], on [[May 7]], 2005. Pope Benedict has both German and Vatican citizenship. He succeeded [[John Paul II]], who died at the beginning of April 2005.

Speaking at his weekly audience in St Peter's Square on [[June 7]], 2006, Pope Benedict asserted that Jesus himself had entrusted the leadership of the Church to his apostle [[Apostle Peter|Peter]]. "Peter's responsibility thus consists of guaranteeing the communion with Christ," said Pope Benedict. "Let us pray so that the primacy of Peter, entrusted to poor human beings, may always be exercised in this original sense desired by the Lord, so that it will be increasingly recognised in its true meaning by brothers who are still not in communion with us." The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Pope has a leading role among Christians because as [[bishop]] of Rome he is successor to the apostle Peter who first held the office. The role of the Roman Catholic papacy remains a source of controversy, not only for [[Protestant]] denominations but also for [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches and members of the [[Restorationism]] movement, which does not accept the dogmas of the [[First Vatican Council]].

A leading [[Church of Ukraine|Ukrainian Orthodox]] spokesman has said that a visit to Ukraine by Pope Benedict XVI would be "untimely," according to the country's RISU news service. "If Pope Benedict is a moral and a spiritual person and wants only good for Ukraine and its people, he will never take such an unreasonable step," said Valentyn Lukianyk, the head of the Union of Orthodox Brotherhoods of [[Ukraine]]. He was responding to the news that Ukrainian President [[Viktor Yushchenko]] has invited the Pope to visit the country. There have been numerous clashes between Orthodox and Catholic believers over the ownership of [[parish]] properties that were confiscated by the Communists and handed over to Orthodox clerics. At the same time, Orthodox leaders have complained that Catholics are engaged in "proselytism," seeking converts among Orthodox believers. In his statement opposing a papal visit, Lukianyk said that relations between Catholics and Orthodox in Ukraine are now "warming." A visit by Pope Benedict, he said, would place an undue burden on those sensitive ties.

*''[http://wwwgroups.eniyahoo.chcom/group/Irenikon/articlesmessage/display.shtml5885?06-0459 o=1&var=1 Benedict's call on papacy will increase divisions, says Italian Protestant].'' Ecumenical News International (ENI). June 8, 2006.*Cindy Wooden. ''[http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0603382.htm Orthodox express concern about dropping 'patriarch of the West' title].'' Catholic News Service (CNS). June 13, 2006.*''[http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=44743 Ukrainian Orthodox spokesman opposes papal visit].'' CatholicCulture.org. June 13, 2006.* Fr. Nicola Bux. ''[http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/2057/the_martyrdom_of_pope_benedict_xvi.aspx The “Martyrdom” of Pope Benedict XVI].'' The Catholic World Report. March 10, 2013.:<small>(Don Nicola Bux, one of Benedict’s close collaborators, on the deeper meaning of the papal resignation.)</small>