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Alessia Giuliani-Vatican Pool via Getty Images
Children dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes dance for Pope Benedict XVI during the Pontiff's 85th birthday celebrations in the Clementine Hall on April 16 in Vatican City, Vatican. Numerous visitors joined Pope Benedict in the celebrations, including his older brother and the premier of his native German state of Bavaria. Benedict, who took that name following his election on April 19, 2005, was born as Joseph Ratzinger on April 16, 1927 in the town of Marktl am Inn, Bavaria.
Gregorio Borgia/POOL/EPA
Bavaria's President Horst Seehofer presents a gift to Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of his 85th birthday celebration in the Clementine hall in Vatican City on April 16.
Pope Benedict XVI, one of the oldest popes in history, celebrates his 85th birthday today. This Thursday marks seven years since German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger took the name Pope Benedict.
Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Look back at his life from childhood through his papacy.
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