Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger is the birth name of Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI has a pilot's license, and liked to fly from the Vatican to the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, but he does not have a driver's license as he never learned to drive a car. He can legally fly small-engine planes or helicopters. In fact, he is one of the oldest licensed pilots in the world. However, once in retirement, his days of piloting will be over.

I have searched and searched but have found no information as to when Benedict obtained his license.

He was elected pope by the cardinals on April 19, 2005 , following the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. He served as Pope until he resigned on February 28, 2013 (age 85), and he was succeeded by Pope Francis I on March 13, 2013. He continued in the capacity of Pope Emeritus.

As of April 16, 2014, Pope Benedict XVI is 87 years old.

The apostolic Church is the Catholic Church which Our Blessed Lord founded on the apostle Peter, and his successors. Pope Benedict is the current holder in direct succession to the office.

Joseph Ratzinger, who much later in life became Pope Benedict XVI, was in the Hitler Youth for 4 years, from 1941 to 1945. Bear in mind that his membership was required by law, rather than being his choice, and he did not attend meetings. There is no evidence that he ever considered himself to be a Nazi.

From what I have heard Benedict prefers Orange Fanta over wine.

Yes, he did. He had been conscripted into the German Army towards the end of WWII. He deserted the army when he saw the Allies were about to liberate Germany. He was arrested and held as a prisoner of war by the Allies but quickly released.

He plays the piano.

Pope Benedict XVI retired on February 28, 2013, and was replaced on March 13, 2013, by Pope Francis who, as of 2014, continues to lead the Church.

No, but as of 2010 he is the pope of those people that are Roman Catholics

After witnessing the grandeur of the Cardinal Archbishop of Munich who paid a visit to his city, five-year old Joseph Ratzinger decided at that time, he wanted to become a cardinal. Following a forced stint in the Nazi military, he and his brother entered the seminary of Saint Michael in Traunstein and were ordained June 29. 1951.

On May 28, 1977, Josef Ratzinger was consecrated Archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany. A month later he wasa elevated to a cardinal.