Joseph Alois Ratzinger was his original name.
Prior to Benedict XVI there were 14 other popes with that name. Pope Benedict X was an antipope and does not count.
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was the predecessor of Pope Benedict XVI.
His name was Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger.
yes there were many popes before Benedict but there can only be one pope at a time. before Pope Benedict the pope was Pope John Paul II.
Pope John Paul II was the immediate predecessor of Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict's first name is Joseph.
Pope Benedict was able to choose a new name when he was elected Pope. Popes usually choose the name of a saint they admire.
The full name of Pope Benedict XVI before he changed it was Joseph Alois Ratzinger.
Pope Benedict XVI was the pope in 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI was the pope in 2010.
Pope Benedict VI was the 134th pope.