Folia Theologica et Canonica 11. 33/25 (2022)

Sacra theologia

FOLIA THEOLOGICA ET CANONICA (2022) 13-20

Mihály Kránitz

POPE BENEDICT XVI AND THE GROWING ECUMENISM

Introduction; I. The life of Joseph Ratzinger during the unfolding ecumenism; II. Theology AND ECUMENISM IN THE TEACHINGS OF JOSEPH RATZINGER; III. A NEW SHEPHERD IN THE VINEYARD of the Lord; IV. The unity of the Church and Christ in the ecumenical dialogue; V. The ecumenical realism of Pope Benedict XVI; VI. An authentic Christian life is a condition for ecumenism; Conclusion

Keywords: Joseph Ratzinger, Benedict XVI, Ecumenism, Christian unity, Vatican Council II, search for Protestant unity, elements of Catholic Ecumenism

Introduction

With the death of Pope Benedict XVI, an era came to an end, which also marked the end of the church history of the 20th century, but could also mark the end of the first two decades of the church in the 21st century. We examine this period from the point of view of Pope Benedict, and in connection with him, from the side of the quest for Christian unity. His masterly teaching is a guide for all those who want to fulfill the wish expressed in Jesus’ prayer: “That they all may be one” (Jn 17:21). This intention was expressed among the apostles, so in addition, unity is a gift of the heavenly Father and also applies to the church. Since Pope Benedict’s life spans the 20th century, we can appropriately follow the development of ecumenism and its development throughout his intellectual and spiritual development.1 The two decades of the 21st century represent the declarations of his papacy regarding unity, but we can also observe the growing unity, the influence of which he achieved as pope emeritus. A life reflects the movement of the history of the church, and the work of a theologically educated person entrusted with pastoral tasks reaches the state of realization. All those who are living members of the church can admire the way of the Christ community working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit towards the growing unity between the churches.

1 Cf. Lecomte, B., Benoit XVI. Le dernier papé européen, Paris 2006.