CATHOLIC CHURCH. File photo shows Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, waves from a balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, on April 19, 2005. Look back at some of the major events of the ministry and retirement of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI VATICAN CITY – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on Saturday, December 31. Following are some of the major events of the ministry and his retirement. 2005 April 19 – German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, is elected to succeed Pope John...