Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, died this Saturday morning, December 31, 2022, at the Vatican, the Holy See informed. Pope Benedict XVI, who succeeded John Paul II, reigned for nearly 10 years before his resignation on February 11, 2013. A surprising and unprecedented decision in six centuries.
Born in 1927 in Bavaria, Joseph Ratzinger was a major player in the Catholic Church. A former professor, he was ordained a priest with his brother Georg in 1951, before becoming a doctor of theology in 1957. 20 years later, he was appointed by Paul VI as Archbishop of Munich, then enthroned as a cardinal a few weeks later.
He began collaborating with John Paul II in November 1981 when he was entrusted with the direction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He subsequently made his mark by curbing liberation theology, which uses Marxist analysis, and taking a stand on the emergence of major ethical problems, writes Vatican News.
He is the author of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1992.
Uncompromising when it comes to his responsibilities, the German pope has withstood the crisis perpetrated by revelations of the pedophilia scandal and the leak of documents taken from his papal office and published in a book. He said he wanted to eliminate the “dirt” in the Church by introducing strict rules against the abuse of minors.
He advocated a less worldly church: “Historical examples show that the missionary witness of a ‘de-monopolized’ church emerges more clearly. Freed from material and political burdens and privileges, the Church can better dedicate herself, in a truly Christian way, to the whole world. It can be truly open to the world,” he once said. These words were reported by Vatican News.
His departure is welcomed by many great personalities around the world.
The funeral of Benedict XVI is scheduled for January 5 at 9:30 am in St. Peter’s Square. They will be presided over by Pope Francis, announced the Vatican.
You must be logged in to post a comment.