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POPE BENEDICT'S BIRTHPLACE • PHOTO 1

Das Geburtshaus des Papstes. A tourist takes photos in front of the house where the pope was born. Photo © Hyde Flippo

Marktl am Inn, Bavaria
The former Catholic cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger, became Pope Benedict XVI (Papst Benedikt XVI) in April 2005. Ratzinger was born in this house in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria on April 16, 1927. The infant Ratzinger only lived in Marktl for about two years, but the town made him an honorary citizen (Ehrenbürger) in 1997. The pope paid an official 30-minute visit to Marktl am Inn in September 2006. Also see a closer view of the plaque next to the entrance (below).
 

POPE BENEDICT'S BIRTHPLACE • PHOTO 2

Entrance to the house where Pope Benedict XVI was born.
Photo © Hyde Flippo

Dr. Joseph Ratzinger
Now a museum, Joseph Ratzinger’s birthplace has become a very popular tourist attraction since he became pope in 2005. This plaque next to the entrance honors the former cardinal. It has now been replaced by a newer one recognizing the pope. The "K+M+B" chalked on the door (left in photo) is the traditional "bless this house" inscription found in Bavaria and Austria. (Often the inscription is "C+M+B" for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. More... - German Way)

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