For a man who has described himself as “shy and unpractical”, Joseph Ratzinger has had a greater impact on Catholicism and the Church's role in the world than almost any modern Catholic leader with the notable exception of late Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger's long-time mentor and religious ally.

Pope Benedict XVI, as he will now be called was brought by John Paul II to Rome in 1981 to lead the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and thereby to act as chief guardian of Catholic orthodoxy.