Popes are not permitted to have any pets within the Vatican. Pope Benedict did have a pet cat before he was elected as pope. However, some popes in the past have 'bent' the law prohibiting pets. Pope Leo XII kept a small dog for company, several popes had aviaries built in the Vatican gardens, and Pope Pius XII kept caged birds in the papal apartment. You also have Pope Leo X, who was gifted a white elephant, named Hanno, by King Manuel I of Portugal. Even service animals are forbidden anywhere in the Vatican for both residents and visitors.
However, if the pope is the leader of Catholicism, who can forbid him a pet? He, basically, makes the rules.
Pope Benedict XVI has no known pets. Pets of any kind, including service animals, are not permitted in the Vatican. When he was a cardinal residing in Rome he is known to have had a cat or two but had to give them up when he moved to the Vatican.
While a cardinal he had one or two cats as pets. However, pets are not allowed anywhere in the Vatican. Even service animals are not permitted. It is unknown if an exception will be made now that Benedict is retired.
Before he was a pope he did have a cat or two. However, nobody residing in the Vatican can have any animals so as pope he had to give up his pets. It is unknown if the rule will be relaxed as he is now retired.
Pope Benedict was never married nor did he father any children.
Animals (pets) are not allowed in Vatican City, even service animals, so Benedict has no cats.
Pope Benedict XVI was the 265th pope.
Pope Benedict XVI was the 265th pope.
St. Benedict and Pope Benedict XV.
John Paul II
Pope Benedict XVI was the 265th pope.
Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th pope.
Pope Benedict XVI was the 265th pope.