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

Sacra theologia

POPE BENEDICT XVI AND THE GROWING ECUMENISM

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In addition to the documents of outwardly manifested Catholic ecumenism, he played an important role in the formulation of John Paul II Encyclical Letter Ut unum sint, which was also a kind of preparation for the celebration of the jubilee year in 2000 by showing Catholic openness in the search for Christian unity.

Special mention should be made of the declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith entitled Dominus Iesus (2000), which expressed the teaching of the Second Vatican Council on an academic level, and although it was not specifically ecumenical in nature, but because it emphasized more the Catholic aspects of ecclesiology, it caused unfortunately misunderstanding among Christian churches. Ratzinger did not write the document, it was still attributed to him as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. For him the unity of Christ and the church was in the foreground, which was confirmed by this document in the dialogue with different religions and the church.10

IV. The unity of the Church and Christ in the ecumenical dialogue

“Wednesday catechesis” is one of the most important opportunities for a pope to formulate and explain his own teaching continuously and regularly. Benedict XVI, who was a theologian-pope, always used the opportunity to lead and teach the faithful as pastor. From March 2006, he dedicated the weekly general audience to the theme of the church. During these, it was emphasized that we often encounter the temptation to choose Jesus, but bypass the church. But we cannot love Jesus - Benedict XVI teaches - and we cannot follow his teachings if we are not members of the family of faith that he created, the church. This is a crucial aspect of Catholic ecumenism.11

Pope Benedict XVI clearly address all Christians when he pointed to the church founded on Peter: “Do not be afraid to build your life in the church and with the church. Be proud of Peter and the church entrusted to him with love. Do not yield to those who want to oppose Christ and the church! There is a rock on which the church is built. This rock is Christ, who said to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”12

Although Pope Francis often repeats that the church is not a benevolent NGO, Pope Benedict has already stated something similar: “The church is not a social, philanthropic organization. The church is God’s community, a com-10 Cf. Neuner, R, Streiten für die Einheit. Erfahrungen mit der Ökumene in fünfJahrzenten, Freiburg 2021. 137-139: Der Schock von Doiminus Iesus.

11 Allen, J. L., Le 10 cose che stanno a cuore a Papa Benedetto, Milano 2008. 33.

12 Mancini, M., BenedettoXVI. Unpapa totale, Todi 2015. 30.