when he became the first pope to resign and almost 600 years. he cited a quote, lack of strength of mind and body as his reason for stepping down. benedict was born in germany and grew up as the regime was gaining power. after the war. he turned to theological studies and eventually became a professor in 1951. he was ordained as a priest. as work in theology attracted the attention of the archbishop. who asked him to serve his expert assistance at the second vatican council in the sixties , and then in 1977, he was appointed archbishop of munich . three months later, he became cardinal benedict. the 16th was elected pope in 2005 following the death of his close friend, pope john paul, the second at age 78. he became the oldest newly elected pope since 1970. pope benedict the 16th dedicated his entire adult life to the church from 1951 when he was ordained a priest until resigning his pope in 2013, greg palkot, takes a look at his life and legacy. when john paul. the second di