Pope Benedict marks 7^th Anniversary of his Pontificate

April 19, 2012: Greetings and best wishes kept pouring in from around the world as Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday marked the 7th anniversary of his election as the head of the Catholic Church. Earlier on Monday he marked his 85^th birthday. The Vatican had posted a special link on its webpage for those who wished to greet the Pope on the two occasions this week. At the conclusion of his general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Benedict expressed deep gratitude to those who sent him greetings for the 7th anniversary of his pontificate. Speaking in Italian he asked the faithful to support him always with their prayers so that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he may continue his service to Christ and the Church. The Leipzig Orchestra of Germany will perform for Pope Benedict in the Vatican on Friday on the occasion of his 85^th birthday and 7^th anniversary of pontificate. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pontiff on April 19, 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2^nd, 2005. On his election, he chose the name of Benedict XVI, and officially inaugurated his pontificate on April 24th. He was born at Marktl am Inn, on 16 April 1927 and was baptised the same day. He received his priestly ordination on 29 June 1951, and on 25 March 1977 Pope Paul VI named him Archbishop of Munich and Freising. On 27 June the same year he was made cardinal. For almost 23 years he served as prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, until his election as Pope.