Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was inaugurated as Pope Benedict XVI in a ceremony held at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, marking the beginning of his papacy as the 265th pope of the Catholic Church. The inauguration drew thousands, as well as dignitaries and cardinals from across the globe, all eager to witness the transition of leadership after the passing of Pope John Paul II. Ratzinger, who had served as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was widely recognized as a leading theologian within the Church. His papal name, Benedict, is historically significant, as it pays homage to Pope Benedict XV, known for his efforts towards peace during World War I.

During the inauguration, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a homily emphasizing the importance of love and service to God and humanity, fostering a sense of renewal and hope among the faithful. He invited the Church to embrace a new evangelization, aiming to address contemporary challenges and reinforce the teachings of the Gospel. His inauguration was marked by traditional rites, including the blessing of the papal tiara and the presentation of the pallium, symbolizing his pastoral responsibilities.

Pope Benedict XVI's election marked a pivotal moment in the Church's history, steering it towards a potentially more conservative identity. His earlier significant contributions to theology and his insight into interfaith dialogue raised expectations for his leadership. Benedict’s papacy would unfold during a period of profound changes and challenges within the Catholic Church, including issues related to clerical abuse and modernization efforts.