Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927, in Bavaria, Germany and grew up during the Nazi occupation. He deserted the German Army during World War II and spent time in an American POW camp. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1951. He was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. In June of that year Pope Paul VI named him a Cardinal.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II appointed Cardinal Ratzinger as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith where he served until his election as Pope. He was the Dean of the College of Cardinals prior to his election to the papacy.

The Apostolate for Family Consecration's^® Founder, Jerry Coniker, has had the privilege of meeting Cardinal Ratzinger on several occasions. Cardinal Ratzinger blessed and endorsed the work of the Family Apostolate particularly the Apostolate's Family Catechism. To read his cherished letter to the Family Apostolate, please click here.