Profile of Pope Benedict XVI

"Pope Benedict XVI came to the papacy with a reputation as a doctrinal hardliner, but since he was elected in 2005, he has turned out to be a less authoritarian leader than many expected. The former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - once known as the Holy Office of the Inquisition - from 1981 until his election. His defence of church doctrine led to him be called "the Pope's enforcer" and 'God's rottweiler.' Since his election, the Vatican has been at pains to portray a softer image."