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Benedict XVI, Francis and the fight that was not

2023-02-08T09:14:22.653Z


The coexistence between the emeritus pope and the acting pope was an example for other leaders, despite those who want to tell another story.


I have been asked many times for my opinion on the Netflix series “The Two Popes”.

In the first place, it must be clarified that it is a fiction based on the thoughts of two different people, but that express perspectives on the same mystery that both love deeply: The Church.

Pope

Benedict XVI

was characterized by continuing the conservative line of the Catholic Church and traditional doctrine, and he strove to strengthen faith and discipline within it.

In addition, he led initiatives to promote unity and increase collaboration among different Christian traditions and denominations.

In 2005 he convened the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which brought together thousands of Catholics from around the world to celebrate the Eucharist and reflect on its meaning and role in the life of the Church.

His papacy was also marked by his fight against the sexual abuse of minors by priests and the transparency of Vatican finances and by his support for the fight against poverty and injustice throughout the world, all actions that the

Pope would continue and deepen.

Francis

.

Although he was sparing in his gestures, Benedict XVI was a learned theologian and a prolific writer.

Before and during his papacy he wrote numerous books and essays on theological, philosophical, and social topics.

He highly recommends reading his works.

They are deep and at the same time entertaining, and extremely enriching.

Some of his most outstanding books, essays and documents are:

"Introduction to Christianity"

, a classic work of theology prior to his pontificate, in which he explores the foundations of the Christian faith and its relationship with culture and society.

"Jesus of Nazareth"

, a reflection on the life and teachings of Jesus, based on historical-critical research and Christian tradition.

"God and Reason"

, an essay on the relationship between faith and reason in which he argues for a comprehensive understanding of truth that includes both faith and reason.

"Light of the World"

, a reflection on faith and religion in the context of globalization and secularization.

“Caritas in Veritate”

, the third and last of his encyclicals in which he addresses issues such as social justice, the global economy, peace and international cooperation.

Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy in 2013, something unusual in the history of the Catholic Church (the last papal resignation was more than seven centuries ago and under very different circumstances).

Since then he lived in the Vatican, with a low profile, leaving Francis to lead the Church.

The relationship between the two was always described as cordial and mutual respect.

They not only met on several occasions, but even worked together on some important matters.

In general, it is believed -in my opinion, quite rightly- that the relationship between Benedict XVI and Francis is an example of how two leaders -in this case of the Church- can work together harmoniously and in a collaborative spirit.

The note of contention was put by the former secretary of Benedict, the German archbishop

Georg Gänswein

, when not even a week had passed after his death, at the age of 95.

Twenty-four hours before his solemn funeral, the publication of a book by Monsignor Gänswein entitled:

“Only the truth of my life with Benedict XVI”

was announced .

In any case, it contains an exposition of "his truth of him" about him;

whoever could eventually disprove it is dead.

At the press conference on the return flight from his recent tour of two African countries, Francis said that Benedict XVI “was always by my side, supporting me, and if I had any difficulties, he would tell me and we would talk.

There were no problems".

He lamented that the death of his predecessor "has been instrumentalized by people who want to bring water to their own mill."

And he affirmed that those who "use such a good person, so God-like, a Holy Father of the Church would almost say, are people without ethics, they are party people, not from the Church."

The word secretary derives from "secret".

Poor Benedicto: he suffered the theft of documents from his room in what came to be called the Vatileaks and now, dead, he suffers from the indiscretion of the person of his highest confidence who airs his supposed secrets, that is, some inconvenience with Francisco who, if expressed, he did it in private, out of love for the Church and the Pope who leads it.

Source: clarin

All news articles on 2023-02-08

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