He was never the leader of Rome but was the leader of the Catholic Faith and sovereign of Vatican City from April 19, 2005 until he retired on February 28, 2013 - 7 years and 315 days.
The leader of the Catholic Church is the pope. Today (2011) that is Pope Benedict XVI.
The pope in Rome, today that would be Pope Benedict XVI, is the leader of the ENTIRE Catholic Church, even in Russia.
Pope Gregory the Great
The Bishop of Rome is the Pope. Currently it is His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Catholics, both Latin and Eastern, believe that the Bishop of Rome is the spiritual leader of the Church and is thus responsible for preserving unity.
The current pope is Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict II (St Benedict II, feast day 8may) was born in Rome and died 08may685.He was Pope from 685 to 685.
Pope Benedict is now retired and, as best I can determine, accepts few visitors.
The name of the leader of the Catholic Church, whether in Europe or anywhere else is Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. His Vicar on earth is the Pope in Rome, currently Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict III was born in Rome, Papal States, sometime late in the 8th century.
Pope Benedict XVI, who renounced the Chair of Peter at the end of February 2013, has no responsibilities for Rome.
The pope - currently (2011) Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict was bishop of Velletri-Segni before he became pope and Bishop of Rome.