POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI

The name Benedict evokes the extraordinary figure of the great 'patriarch of western monasticism,' St. Benedict of Norcia, who was a co-patron of Europe with Cyril and Methodius. It is derived from the Latin name Benedictus meaning "The Blessed". The progressive expansion of the Benedictine Order he founded exercised an enormous influence on the spread of Christianity throughout the European continent. For this reason, St. Benedict is much venerated in Germany, and especially in Bavaria. He cons