Benedict leaves an ambiguous legacy – CathNews NZ Pacific

Who is Benedict XVI? The question sounds strange because the answer should be so obvious.

For nearly eight years, Joseph Ratzinger was Pope and the most visible representative of Catholicism in the world, before making the shocking decision to step down at the end of February 2013. With speeches from around the world, beautifully crafted encyclicals, and deeply researched books about Jesus.

Long before he became Pope, Benedict was head of the Vatican’s Ministry of Faith and Doctrine, also Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the so-called Patron of Orthodoxy, and as a professional theologian, the intellectual jousting inherent in his role. was enjoying

During his 23 years as head of the CDF, known as “La Suprema” within the Roman Curia for its historical influence, Cardinal Ratzinger made headlines and enemies in public campaigns against theologians and theology. I was. Dangerously into progressive territory.

Although much of his work was undertaken at the behest of Pope John Paul II, the German-born cardinal also participates in public debates, outlining his own vision of the modern world and the dangers it poses to Catholicism. He had an unprecedented sideline in public speaking, writing, and books.

So when Cardinal Ratzinger stepped out onto the balcony of St. rice field.

personas and principles

All popes are paradoxes to some degree.

He’s a central stage protagonist in the ongoing historical drama, but dressed in tradition and surrounded by courtiers and conventions, even after years in office, it’s pretty hard to tell what he’s going to do. uncertainty may remain. What he’s really trying to do, what he’s really thinking, and how he sees the church and the world.

As for Joseph Ratzinger, the air of mystery was deeper than usual.

An introvert and scholar, Ratzinger was always the most engaged with the world when it came to theological discussions. His personality and private life are revealed in a seldom glimpse of him.

For example, on April 24, 2005, during a sermon at his installation mass in the square, Benedict laughed when he said he did not intend to present a “program of government”, i.e., the “programma di gabbano” I invited Italian phrases for the campaign platform.

It will come later, he added.

Instead, he said: May he himself guide the church at this time in our history. ”

As a teacher and pastor, the theologian Benedict XVI can be excellent. But as the chief governor of the church, Benedict had some bad luck.

The basic tasks of management clearly exceeded his interests and talents.

That gap came at a critical time for the Church. At a time when religious options were plentiful and “non-religious” was a viable and honorable option. The distrustful masses, even the skeptical crowd, demanded action as much as words, and the Roman Catholic Church was bearer of the truths Jesus preached.

Benedict’s reputation took a further hit after revelations of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s altar-keeping and seminary abuse rocked the US church in the summer of 2018. A year about the actions of the former Archbishop of Washington.

Benedict’s legacy is ambiguous in even the most sympathetic readings.

Whether history’s verdict will be benevolent or disastrous depends on whether the impact of his powerful words can compensate for some of the more lethargic aspects of his administration. ing. keep reading

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