Vatican correspondent John L Allen jnr, who coined the phrase “Enforcer of the Faith”, asserts the opposite [of Hans Kung]: “For those who have followed the church’s response to the crisis, Ratzinger’s 2001 letter is . . . seen as a long overdue assumption of responsibility by the Vatican, and the beginning of a far more aggressive response. Whether that response is sufficient is, of course, a matter for fair debate, but to construe Ratzinger’s 2001 letter as no more than the last gasp of old attempts at denial and cover-up misreads the record.”
Pope Benedict’s response to the publication of the Ryan and Murphy reports was swift and decisive, though this is not always appreciated. He took the unprecedented step of summoning the Irish bishops to Rome to account before him and some of his major co-workers for their actions (or rather inaction). He wrote an unprecedented letter to the Catholics of Ireland calling for a spiritual renewal and promising an “Apostolic Visitation” that, presumably, will deal with more concrete matters.
Future generations, however, will probably remember Benedict’s reign not primarily for any of his official documents or actions, however significant, but for his teaching. Of special note are his Wednesday audiences devoted to St Paul, the man and his theology, and especially his book Jesus of Nazareth , the second volume of which is due to be published later this year. He is conscious that the greatest challenge to the church in the future will centre on the person of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. That is the foundation on which all else rests.
Dr. Vincent Twomey’s rather detailed review of Ratzinger’s theological and pastoral work seems eminently fair and balanced to me. Unquestionably, this pope has been subjected to much undeserved crticism, especially by liberal Catholics and most particularly by the mass media, which is often virulently anti-Catholic.
Benedict XVI is probably the most prolific and academically distinguished pope of all time, having published many fine books. I completely agree with Towney that he will be remembered and appreciated in the future primarily because of the incredible depth and high quality of his theological writings.
But while this judicious if glowing assessment is especially good at calling attention to Ratzinger’s lifelong work to foster better ecumenical relations (especially with the eastern Church and with Lutherans) it surprisingly fails to mention one of the pope’s greatest achievements, i.e., his leading role in producing the splendid new Catholic Catechism (released in 1992). Though many bishops and experts had a hand in contributing to it, there is no doubt but that the universal catechism is Ratzinger’s baby. And it is a masterpiece. If Christ tarries, I suspect it will last for generations, a solid foundation for Catholic teaching at all levels for a very long time. I think the Catechism demonstrates the practicality and profound pastoral concern of this pope’s massive learning. Long may he live and write, and preach and lead!
David Handy+
Referring to Benedict’s homilies as “theological gems” is correct. This
comes across very clearly in his book on St. Paul; the book itself is
a collection of his weekly talks to an audience. His book “Jesus of
Nazareth” is exquisitely written. It helped me to appreciate
Christianity’s deep roots in Judaism, and banished a lot of the
sense of “alienness” (is that a word …?) of Judaism. Benedict’s
literary output will long survive after his earthly life ends.
I don’t know if it is true, but I also heard that Benedict’s weekly
audiences are better attended than even those of his immediate
predecessor, John Paul II.
I started rereading his Introduction to Christianity last night. It’s my third time through the book, and it’s truly incredible. I am grateful to have such a man at the helm.
I, 2, and 3, Amen to all you say. His “Spirit of the Liturgy” and introduction to Christianity are superb. I’ve not read his Catechism Fr. Handy, but intend to. He is a true giant of the faith and a champion of Christ’s church like none I’ve seen in my lifetime. god grant him a long and fruitful papacy.