The former Pope Benedict XVI has died aged 95. Joseph Alois Ratzinger in February 2013 became the first pope to resign since 1415 but during his papacy, widely regarded as a difficult tenure, he was confronted with secularism, a dwindling interest in Catholicism — reflected in declining church attendances — and a schism over the direction of the church. His leadership was scarred deeply by the ramifications of a scandal towards the end of the 20th century, when the Vatican’s handling of a plethora of clerical sexual abuse cases came under fire. He also faced allegations of being a Nazi sympathiser and took a firm stand in defending celibacy in the priesthood.
After taking office in 2005, the pontiff travelled extensively throughout Europe and to Brazil, the US, Australia, Cameroon, Angola and Turkey, where he sought to bridge the gap between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. In May 2009, Pope Benedict arrived in Amman, Jordan, for a week-long tour of the region, also taking in Israel and Palestine.
In Jerusalem, he condemned Holocaust deniers, urged co-operation between Palestinians and Israelis and offered an iconic sculpture as a gift to the people of Bethlehem in the West Bank.
He met political and religious leaders on a three-day tour of Lebanon in 2012, during which he visited the settlements of Bzommar and Baabda. Describing himself as a "pilgrim of peace", the pontiff highlighted the need for deeper interfaith co-operation, particularly between Muslims and Christians.
Born in the south-west German market town of Marktl am Inn on April 16, 1927, Ratzinger’s parents were staunch Catholics and, when the Nazis came to power in 1933, were opposed to the regime.
Having entered theological school as the Second World War broke out, he was compelled to join the Hitler Youth two years later, under mandatory membership, then the military in 1943. He was posted to Hungary but deserted in April 1945, only to be held briefly as a prisoner of war by the Americans.
Post-war, his seminary education continued at pace. He was ordained in 1951 and received a doctorate in theology at the University of Munich. He taught at a school of philosophy and theology in Freising until 1959, later moving to the universities of Bonn, Muenster, Tuebingen and Regensburg, where he became vice president. His theological works drew an invitation to join the Second Vatican Council, where he was considered progressive and challenged ambitions to curtail reforms. But having settled on a more conservative outlook, Ratzinger was appointed archbishop of Munich and Freising by Paul VI.
In 1972, Ratzinger co-founded the journal Communio, considered one of the touchstones of Catholic thinking. As his status within the establishment gathered momentum, he continued to reaffirm what he held as vital elements of doctrine, such as birth control and inter-religious dialogue. He became a prefect and friend of his predecessor John Paul II, and went on to become his most trusted adviser, becoming instrumental in attempts to interact with other faiths, Islam and Judaism in particular. This long-standing service was later thought to have secured his election as Pope.
Ratzinger was elevated to the papacy on April 19, 2005, after the death of John Paul II. As the oldest newly elected pope since 1730, he sought to transform his perceived rigidity, vowing to rejuvenate the Catholic church in Europe but, at the same time, perpetuating his predecessor’s orthodoxy on sexuality, priestly celibacy and clerical matters.
In 2008, Benedict made his first papal visit to the US, where he gave a speech to the United Nations, championing human rights, and spoke out against sexual abuse in the priesthood. Later that year he addressed the inaugural Catholic-Muslim Forum, an assembly of church theologians and Islamic scholars. In 2010, allegations of abuse by parish priests and in religiously affiliated schools — including in his native Germany — put Benedict under extreme pressure. He was moved to reproach bishops in the Irish church on the matter: “It must be admitted that grave errors of judgment were made and failures of leadership occurred," he said. The Vatican rejected charges that Benedict had been responsible for the policy of covering up sexual abuse cases, stating that his guidance throughout the scandal demonstrated “wisdom and firmness”.
Ill health dogged his term of leadership and led ultimately to his surprise resignation in 2013, aged 85. Citing mobility issues and a marked deterioration in strength, he told gathered cardinals at the Vatican: "For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter.” Benedict's announcement still shocked the world, however, and was said to have left some of his aides astonished — even members of his inner sanctum had been unaware of his intention to quit.
The sexual abuse scandal surrounding the church might forever cloud his papacy. Commissioned by the archdiocese in Munich, a report this year accused the retired pope of mishandling cases of abuse by priests when he was archbishop in the Bavarian city. He denied any wrongdoing yet pleaded for forgiveness. "All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” he said in response to the findings.
“I have come to understand that we ourselves are drawn into this grievous fault whenever we neglect it or fail to confront it with the necessary decisiveness and responsibility, as too often happened and continues to happen. Once again I can only express to all the victims of sexual abuse my profound shame, my deep sorrow and my heartfelt request for forgiveness.”
Upon retirement, he continued to be known as Benedict XVI and was bestowed the title of pope emeritus.
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206-cylinder%203-litre%2C%20with%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20variants%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20286hp%20(petrol)%2C%20249hp%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%20(petrol)%2C%20550Nm%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EStarting%20at%20%2469%2C800%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
if you go
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
- No need to bag the mask
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh234,000 - Dh329,000
On sale: now
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EClara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPatrick%20Rogers%2C%20Lee%20McMahon%2C%20Arthur%20Guest%2C%20Ahmed%20Arif%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegalTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%20of%20seed%20financing%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Shorooq%20Partners%2C%20Techstars%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20OTF%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Knuru%20Capital%2C%20Plug%20and%20Play%20and%20The%20LegalTech%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Political flags or banners
-
Bikes, skateboards or scooters
If you go…
Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
