VATICAN CITY, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Former pope Benedict, who died on Saturday, was the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the post rather than rule for life. Here are some facts about 95-year-old Benedict and his papacy. - Benedict, the first German pope in 1,000 years, was elected on April 19, 2005 to succeed the widely popular Pope John Paul II, who reigned for 27 years. Cardinals chose him from among their number seeking continuity and what one called "a safe pair of hands". For nearly 25 years, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he was the powerful head...