| − | He was born in Marktl am Inn, [[Germany]] on April 16, 1927 as Joseph Ratzinger. As a child, he lived in Traunstein where much of his philosophy developed. Ratzinger joined the [[Hitler Youth]] in 1939 - membership being required by law - but was unenthusiastic and refused to attend meetings.<ref>http://bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/texts/cjrelations/topics/new_pope_defied_nazis.htm</ref> Ratzinger's father opposed Nazism. | + | He was born in Marktl am Inn, [[Germany]] on April 16, 1927 as Joseph Ratzinger. As a child, he lived in Traunstein where much of his philosophy developed. Ratzinger joined the [[Hitler Youth]] in 1939 - membership being required by law - but was unenthusiastic and refused to attend meetings.<ref>http://bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/texts/cjrelations/topics/new_pope_defied_nazis.htm</ref> He deserted in 1944<ref><ref>Blanco, Pablo. A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger.</ref> |