All articles tagged with #pope benedict xvi
On the third anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, Cardinal Koch commemorates his life and teachings, emphasizing Benedict's pursuit of the face of God, the transformative power of Christ in death, and the hope of eternal life through love and communion with God.
In a book-length interview, Pope Francis exposes political maneuvers during past papal elections, denying rumors of reforming future conclaves. He reveals confidential details about the 2005 and 2013 conclaves, settling scores with Pope Benedict XVI's aide, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein. Francis denies planning any conclave rule reforms but admits to revising the protocol for papal funerals. He blames Gaenswein for a 2020 incident involving a book co-authored by Cardinal Robert Sarah and Benedict, and insists that Benedict always supported him.
On the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, his close aides, including Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, emphasized that he would not have approved the recent declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The Vatican commemorated Benedict's legacy, with Pope Francis expressing admiration and gratitude for his predecessor. The event highlighted the ongoing conservative-progressive divide within the Church, with Mueller openly stating his willingness to disagree with Pope Francis on doctrinal issues. Meanwhile, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who served as Benedict's private secretary, celebrated a memorial Mass and expressed hope for Benedict's eventual sainthood.
In his Angelus address on December 31, 2023, Pope Francis commemorated the one-year anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's passing, stating that Benedict continues to bless and guide the Church from heaven. He reflected on the hardships faced by the Holy Family, emphasizing the importance of marveling at God's presence in life, and the role of tenderness and wisdom within families. Pope Francis also expressed solidarity with victims of recent tragedies in Nigeria and Liberia, and called for prayers for those affected by conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, Sudan, and the Rohingya in Indonesia. He concluded by wishing everyone a peaceful end of the year and looked forward to 2024.
On the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, a close aide, stated that Benedict would not have approved the recent declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. Mueller, speaking at an event organized by a conservative Catholic TV network, criticized the declaration's ambiguity and maintained that homosexual matrimony cannot exist within the Church's ideology. Pope Francis acknowledged the anniversary, praising Benedict's service, while Mueller emphasized his willingness to publicly disagree with Francis on doctrinal issues. Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, Benedict's private secretary, also expressed emotional tributes during a memorial Mass and voiced his hope for Benedict's sainthood.
On the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, his close aides, including Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, emphasized that he would not have approved the recent declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The declaration, which came out in December, has been seen by some as a step towards same-sex marriage in the Church, a notion Mueller rejects. Pope Francis acknowledged Benedict's service during a Sunday blessing, while Mueller stated he maintains a good personal relationship with Francis but openly disagrees on doctrinal issues. Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, who served as Benedict's secretary, held a memorial Mass and expressed hope that Benedict would be recognized as a saint.
Pope Benedict XVI's final book, "What Is Christianity? The Last Writings," posthumously published, serves as his spiritual testament, addressing topics like missionary work, interreligious dialogue, and the importance of God's mercy. The book, intended for a broad audience, includes reflections on figures like St. Joseph and Jesuit Father Alfred Delp. Benedict XVI's decision to publish posthumously was to avoid controversy and confusion during his lifetime. The book encapsulates his wisdom and insights, offering a final message to the world from one of the great churchmen of modern times.
Pope Benedict XVI's final book, "What Is Christianity? The Last Writings," posthumously published, serves as his spiritual testament, addressing previously unexplored issues and expanding on social and theological questions. The book, intended for a broad audience, includes reflections on topics such as interfaith dialogue, the Catholic priesthood, and the importance of mercy in the modern world. It also honors figures like St. John Paul II and Father Alfred Delp. Benedict's wisdom emphasizes the silent example of St. Joseph, the joy of missionary work, the necessity of God's mercy, and the enduring message of martyrs.
Fr. Federico Lombardi reflects on the enduring legacy of Pope Benedict XVI a year after his passing, emphasizing his role as a teacher and witness of faith. Lombardi highlights Benedict's contributions to theology, his engagement with contemporary cultural issues, and his call for an expanded reason that includes ethical considerations and the rationality of faith. The late Pope's vision for the Church's mission in the world, as well as his encouragement for dialogue between science and faith, remain relevant and influential in guiding the Church's path forward.
Pope Francis has fired Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, the longtime aide to the late Pope Benedict XVI, from his Vatican job and ordered him to return to his native Germany, following the archbishop's tell-all memoir that was highly critical of Francis. Gaenswein had officially ended his job as prefect of the papal household as of Feb. 28, and the pope had ordered him to return to Freiburg, Germany, his diocese of origin, by July 1. The Vatican's announcement betrayed some of the ill-will that had developed between Francis and Gaenswein.
Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who assisted Pope Benedict XVI, has found five individuals with claims to the late pontiff's estate, including three more cousins than he was expecting. It is not publicly known what money or assets are to be inherited from the former pope, who spent his final years living simply in a Vatican apartment. The late pope's vast library was willed to the Vatican and the Joseph Ratzinger Vatican Foundation.
Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, the longtime secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, acknowledged that his memoir, "Nothing But the Truth: My Life Beside Pope Benedict XVI," had been criticized for casting Pope Francis in an unfavorable light, but insisted that some of the polemics were more about anti-Benedict prejudice than anything else. Gaenswein said he remained loyal to Francis and that he was still waiting for the pontiff to give him a new job. The book came to encapsulate the conservative criticism that has been directed at Francis and his more progressive bent by people nostalgic for Benedict’s doctrinaire papacy.