Benedict XVI
Birth name	Joseph Alois Ratzinger
Papacy began	19 April 2005
Papacy ended	Incumbent
Predecessor	John Paul II
Successor	Incumbent
Born	16 April 1927 (1927-04-16) (age 80) Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany
Other popes named Benedict

Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishop's mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms.

Styles of Pope Benedict XVI
Reference style	His Holiness
Spoken style	Your Holiness
Religious style	Holy Father
Posthumous style	NA

Pope Benedict XVI (Latin: Benedictus PP. XVI; Italian: Benedetto XVI, born Joseph Alois Ratzinger on 16 April 1927) is the 265th and reigning Pope, the spiritual head of the Catholic Church, and as such, Sovereign of the Vatican City State.^[1] He was elected on 19 April 2005 in a papal conclave, celebrated his Papal Inauguration Mass on 24 April 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, on 7 May 2005. Pope Benedict XVI has both German and Vatican citizenship. He succeeded Pope John Paul II, who died on 2 April 2005 (and with whom he had worked before the interregnum). Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1242 × 1654 pixel, file size: 1. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the ecclesiastical office, see Incumbent (ecclesiastical). ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... For the ecclesiastical office, see Incumbent (ecclesiastical). ... is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Marktl am Inn Marktl am Inn (Little Market on the Inn River), or simply Marktl, is a village and historic market municipality in the state of Bavaria, Germany, near the Austrian border, in the Altötting district of Upper Bavaria. ... For other uses, see Bavaria (disambiguation). ... Pope Benedict is the regnal name of the current Roman pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI (2005–present) and has been the name of fifteen other popes: Pope Benedict I (575–579) Pope Benedict II (684–685) Pope Benedict III (855–858) Pope Benedict IV (900–903... Image File history File links BXVI_CoA_like_gfx_PioM.svg Summary Author: Piotr MichaÅ‚ Jaworski; PioM EN DE PL Place: POLAND/PoznaÅ„; Date: 07 V 2005 updated 18:26, 1 June 2006 (UTC) Description: Benedict XVI coat of arms like graphic. ... Image File history File links BXVI_CoA_like_gfx_PioM.svg Summary Author: Piotr MichaÅ‚ Jaworski; PioM EN DE PL Place: POLAND/PoznaÅ„; Date: 07 V 2005 updated 18:26, 1 June 2006 (UTC) Description: Benedict XVI coat of arms like graphic. ... Initial rendering of the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI was designed by then Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (who later was created a Cardinal) soon after the papal election. ... The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the Triregnum, and in Italian as the Triregno, is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, supposedly of Byzantine and Persian origin, that is a prominent symbol of the papacy. ... This article is about the ceremonial head-dress; see also mitre (disambiguation). ... now. ... Image File history File links Emblem_of_the_Papacy. ... A style of office, or honorific, is a form of address which by tradition or law precedes a reference to a person who holds a title or post, or to the political office itself. ... His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (born 1927) His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (born 1935) His Holiness is the official style or manner of address in reference to the leaders of certain religious groups. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Pope (from Latin... The name Catholic Church can mean a visible organization that refers to itself as Catholic, or the invisible Christian Church, viz. ... For other uses, see Monarch (disambiguation). ... Anthem Inno e Marcia Pontificale(Italian) Hymn and Pontifical March Capital (and largest city) Vatican City1 Official languages Latin2, Italian, French and German. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Papal conclave of 2005 was convened due to the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. ... Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) is crowned at the last papal coronation to date, in 1963. ... For an explanation of the specific reforms of the Second Vatican Council, see Mass of Paul VI. For the Mass of the Council of Trent, see Tridentine Mass. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The late Baroque façade of the Basilica of St. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... “Citizen” redirects here. ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Interregnum (disambiguation). ...

Benedict XVI is a well-known Catholic theologian and a prolific author, a defender of traditional Catholic doctrine and values. He served as a professor at various German universities and was a theological consultant at the Second Vatican Council before becoming Archbishop of Munich and Freising and Cardinal. At the time of his election as Pope, Benedict had been Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (curial heads lose their positions upon the death of a pope^[2]) and was Dean of the College of Cardinals. Theology finds its scholars pursuing the understanding of and providing reasoned discourse of religion, spirituality and God or the gods. ... The meaning of the word professor (Latin: [1]) varies. ... The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, or Vatican II, was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising — known in the German language as Erzbistum München und Freising and in Latin as Archidioecesis Monacensis et Frisingensis — is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Bavaria, Germany. ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ... A prefect (from the Latin praefectus, perfect participle of praeficere: make in front, i. ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... The Roman Curia — usually called the Vatican — is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, coordinating and providing the necessary organisation for the correct functioning of the Catholic Church and the achievement of its goals. ... The Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals is the president of the College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, and as such always holds the rank of Cardinal Bishop. ...

During his papacy, Benedict XVI has emphasized what he sees as a need for Europe to return to fundamental Christian values in response to increasing de-Christianisation and secularisation in many developed countries. For this reason, he claims relativism's denial of objective truth—and more particularly, the denial of moral truths—as the central problem of the 21st century. He teaches the importance for the Catholic Church and for humanity of contemplating God's salvific love and has reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism and the growing secularism of many Christians engaged in charitable work." The term Christian values usually refers to values the speaker feels represent those found in the teachings of Christ as described in parts of the United States. ... St Francis Xavier converting the Paravas: a 19th-century image of the docile heathen The historical phenomenon of Christianization, the conversion of individuals to Christianity or the conversion of entire peoples at once, also includes the practice of converting pagan practices, pagan religious imagery, pagan sites and the pagan calendar... This article is about secularism. ... World map indicating Human Development Index (as of 2004). ... For the physics theory with a similar name, see Theory of Relativity. ... For other uses of objectivity, see objectivity (disambiguation). ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ...

Overview

Pope Benedict XVI at a private audience on January 20, 2006.

Benedict XVI was elected Pope at the age of 78. He is the oldest person to have been elected Pope since Pope Clement XII (1730–40). He had served longer as a cardinal than any Pope since Benedict XIII (1724–30). He is the ninth German Pope, the eighth having been the Dutch-German Pope Adrian VI (1522–23) from Utrecht. The last Pope named Benedict was Benedict XV, an Italian who reigned from 1914 to 1922, during World War I (1914–18). Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1701x2448, 1175 KB) [edit] Summary [edit] Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pope Benedict XVI Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1701x2448, 1175 KB) [edit] Summary [edit] Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pope Benedict XVI Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... The Sistine Chapel is the location of the conclave. ... Since 1400 † The exact birth date of Innocent VIII and almost all popes prior to Eugene IV is unknown, therefore the lowest probable age has been assumed for this table. ... Clement XII, born as Lorenzo Corsini (Florence, April 7, 1652 – Rome, February 6, 1740), Pope from 1730 to 1740, had been an aristocratic lawyer and financial manager under preceding pontiffs. ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ... Pope Benedict XIII (February 2, 1649 – February 21, 1730), born Pietro Francesco Orsini, later Vincenzo Maria Orsini, was pope from 1724 until his death. ... Pope Adrian VI (Utrecht, March 2, 1459 – September 14, 1523), born Adriaan Florenszoon Boeyens, son of Floris Boeyens, served as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1522 until his death. ... Utrecht ( (help· info)) is a municipality and the capital city of the Dutch province of Utrecht. ... Pope Benedict XV (Latin: ), (Italian: Benedetto XV), (November 21, 1854 – January 22, 1922), born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922; he succeeded Pope Pius X (1903–14). ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ...

Born in 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany, Ratzinger had a distinguished career as a university theologian before being appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI (1963–78). Shortly afterwards, he was made a cardinal in the consistory of June 27, 1977. He was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and was also assigned the honorific title of the cardinal bishop of Velletri-Segni on April 5, 1993. In 1998, he was elected sub-dean of the College of Cardinals. And on November 30, 2002, he was elected dean, taking, as is customary, the title of Cardinal bishop of the suburbicarian diocese of Ostia. He was the first Dean of the College elected Pope since Paul IV (1555–59) and the first cardinal bishop elected Pope since Pius VIII (1829–30). Theology finds its scholars pursuing the understanding of and providing reasoned discourse of religion, spirituality and God or the gods. ... The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising — known in the German language as Erzbistum München und Freising and in Latin as Archidioecesis Monacensis et Frisingensis — is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Bavaria, Germany. ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... // Antiquity Originally, the Latin word consistorium meant simply sitting together, just as the Greek syn(h)edrion (from which the Biblical sanhedrin was a corruption). ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... The see of Velletri-Segni is one of the suburbicarian dioceses, Catholic dioceses in Italy close to Rome with a special status and a Cardinal Bishop, the bishop of Velletri-Segni. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... The Sacred College of Cardinals is the body of all Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church established by Pope St. ... is the 334th day of the year (335th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... The Bishop of Ostia was the ecclesiastical head of the Italian Catholic diocese of Ostia. ... Pope Paul IV (June 28, 1476 – August 18, 1559), né Giovanni Pietro Carafa, was Pope from May 23, 1555 until his death. ... Pope Pius VIII (November 20, 1761 – December 1, 1830), born Francesco Saverio Castiglioni, was Pope in 1829 and 1830. ...

Even before becoming Pope, Ratzinger was one of the most influential men in the Roman Curia, and was a close associate of John Paul II. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, he presided over the funeral of John Paul II and over the Mass immediately preceding the 2005 conclave in which he was elected. During the service, he called on the assembled cardinals to hold fast to the doctrine of the faith. He was the public face of the church in the sede vacante period, although, technically, he ranked below the camerlengo in administrative authority during that time. Like his predecessor, Benedict XVI maintains the traditional Catholic doctrines on artificial birth control, abortion and homosexuality. The Roman Curia — usually called the Vatican — is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, coordinating and providing the necessary organisation for the correct functioning of the Catholic Church and the achievement of its goals. ... Pope John Paul IIs body laid on a bier at St. ... Sede vacante is the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particular church in the Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Coat of arms of the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (the escutcheon and motto are proper to the incumbent) The title Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (plu camerlenghi, Italian for Chamberlain) refers to an official of the Papal court---either the Chamberlain of the Roman Church, the... For other uses, see Birth control (disambiguation). ... Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ...

As well as his native German, Benedict XVI fluently speaks Italian, French, English, Spanish and Latin, and has a knowledge of Portuguese. He can read Ancient Greek and biblical Hebrew.^{[citation needed]} He is a member of a large number of academies, such as the French Académie des sciences morales et politiques. He plays the piano and has a preference for Mozart and Bach^[3]. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Note: This article contains special characters. ... “Hebrew” redirects here. ... The Académie des sciences morales et politiques (i. ... A short grand piano, with the top up. ... “Mozart” redirects here. ... “Bach” redirects here. ...

Early life (1927–1951)

Then Fr. Joseph Ratzinger at a Feldmesse, open air parish Mass, in the hills of Bavaria, 1951.

Main article: Early life of Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Alois Ratzinger was born on 16 April, Holy Saturday, 1927 at Schulstraße 11, at 8:30 in the morning in his parents' home in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. He was baptized the same day. He was the third and youngest child of Joseph Ratzinger, Sr., a police officer, and Maria Ratzinger (née Peintner). His mother's family was originally from South Tyrol. Pope Benedict XVI's brother, Georg Ratzinger, a priest and former director of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir, is still alive. His sister, Maria Ratzinger, who never married, managed Cardinal Ratzinger's household until her death in 1991. Their great-uncle was the German politician Georg Ratzinger. Image File history File links Fr_Ratzinger_Introibo_ad_altare_Dei. ... Image File history File links Fr_Ratzinger_Introibo_ad_altare_Dei. ... This article covers the early life of Pope Benedict XVI, from his birth in 1927 to his finishing his education and becoming ordained in 1951. ... is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Holy Saturday is the day before Easter in the Christian calendar. ... Joseph Ratzinger, Sr. ... The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-Bozen[1][2] (Italian: Provincia autonoma di Bolzano; German: Autonome Provinz Bozen; Ladin: Provinzia autonòma de Balsan), also called Alto Adige/Südtirol (Italian: Alto Adige; German: Südtirol; Ladin: Adesc Aut[3][4] or Sudtirol; English: Alto Adige or South Tyrol), is an... Reverend Monsignor Georg Ratzinger (born January 15, 1924) is a German Catholic priest and musician, well known as the elder brother of Pope Benedict XVI. Ratzinger was born in Bavaria to Joseph Ratzinger, Sr. ... The Regensburger Domspatzen (Regensburg Cathedral Choir) is the official choir for the liturgical music at St. ... Georg Ratzinger (born April 3, 1844 in Rickering at Deggendorf, died December 3, 1899 in Munich) was a German Catholic priest, political economist, social reformer, author and politician. ...

The pope's relatives agree that his priestly vocation was apparent from boyhood. At the age of five, Ratzinger was in a group of children who welcomed the visiting Cardinal Archbishop of Munich with flowers. Struck by the Cardinal's distinctive garb, he later announced the very same day that he wanted to be a cardinal. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising — known in the German language as Erzbistum München und Freising and in Latin as Archidioecesis Monacensis et Frisingensis — is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Bavaria, Germany. ...

Following his fourteenth birthday in 1941, Ratzinger was enrolled in the Hitler Youth — membership being legally required after December 1939^[4] — but was an unenthusiastic member and refused to attend meetings^[5]. His father was a bitter enemy of Nazism, believing it conflicted with the Catholic faith. In 1941, one of Ratzinger's cousins, a 14-year-old boy with Down syndrome, was killed by the Nazi regime in its campaign of eugenics. In 1943 while still in seminary, he was drafted at age 16 into the German anti-aircraft corps. Ratzinger then trained in the German infantry, but a subsequent illness precluded him from the usual rigours of military duty. As the Allied front drew closer to his post in 1945, he deserted back to his family's home in Traunstein after his unit had ceased to exist, just as American troops established their headquarters in the Ratzinger household. As a German soldier, he was put in a POW camp but was released a few months later at the end of the War in summer 1945. He reentered the seminary, along with his brother Georg, in November of that year. Nazism in history Nazi ideology Nazism and race Outside Germany Related subjects Lists Politics Portal         For the SS division with the nickname Hitlerjugend see; 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend The Hitler Youth (German:   , abbreviated HJ) was a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party. ... Nazism in history Nazi ideology Nazism and race Outside Germany Related subjects Lists Politics Portal         Nazism, or National Socialism (German: Nationalsozialismus), refers primarily to the totalitarian ideology and practices of the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Workers Party, German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) under Adolf Hitler. ... Eugenics is the self-direction of human evolution: Logo from the Second International Congress of Eugenics, 1921, depicting it as a tree which unites a variety of different fields. ...

Following repatriation in 1945, the two brothers entered Saint Michael Seminary in Traunstein, later studying at the Ducal Georgianum (Herzogliches Georgianum) of the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich. They were both ordained in Freising on June 29, 1951 by Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber of Munich. Joseph Ratzinger's dissertation (1953) was on St. Augustine and was entitled "The People and the House of God in Augustine's Doctrine of the Church". His Habilitation (which qualified him for a professorship) was on Bonaventure. It was completed in 1957 and he became a professor of Freising College in 1958. The Ducal Georgianum (German: Herzogliches Georgianum) is a theological seminary of the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. ... With approximately 48,000 students, the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (German: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München or LMU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. ... Freising is a city in Bavaria, Germany, capital of the district Freising. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... His Eminence Michael Cardinal von Faulhaber (born March 3, 1869 in Unterfranken, died June 12, 1952 in Munich) was Roman Catholic Archbishop of Munich for 35 years, from 1917 to his death in 1952. ... “Augustinus” redirects here. ... Habilitation is the highest academic qualification a person can achieve by his/her own pursuit in certain European countries. ... Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio (Italian: San Bonaventura) (1221 – 15 July 1274), born John of Fidanza (Italian: Giovanni di Fidanza), was the eighth Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly called the Franciscans. ... Freising is a city in Bavaria, Germany, capital of the district Freising. ...

Pre-papal career

Academic career (1951–1977)

Ratzinger became a professor at the University of Bonn in 1959; his inaugural lecture was on "The God of Faith and the God of Philosophy." In 1963, he moved to the University of Münster, where his inaugural lecture was given in a packed lecture hall, as he was already well known as a theologian^{[citation needed]}. The main building, viewed from the Hofgarten. ... The University of Münster (German Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, WWU) is a public university located in the city of Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. ...

During this period, Ratzinger participated in the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). Ratzinger served as a peritus (theological consultant) to Josef Cardinal Frings of Cologne. He was viewed during the time of the Council as a reformer, cooperating with radical Modernist theologians like Hans Küng and Edward Schillebeeckx. Ratzinger became an admirer of Karl Rahner, a well-known academic theologian of the Nouvelle Théologie and a proponent of church reform. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, or Vatican II, was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Peritus (from the Latin for Expert) is the title given to Roman Catholic theologians present to give advice at an Ecumenical council. ... Sculpture of Frings in Cologne. ... For Christian theological modernism, see Liberal Christianity and Modernism (Roman Catholicism). ... The Reverend Father Hans Küng (born March 19, 1928 in Sursee, Canton of Lucerne), is an eminent Swiss theologian, and a prolific author. ... Edward Schillebeeckx (Antwerp, November 12, 1914 -) is a Belgian theologian. ... Karl Rahner in 1975. ... Nouvelle Théologie (French, New Theology) is the name given to a school of thought in Catholic theology that arose in the mid-20th century, most notably among certain circles of French and German theologians. ...

In 1966, Joseph Ratzinger was appointed to a chair in dogmatic theology at the University of Tübingen, where he was a colleague of Hans Küng. In his 1968 book Introduction to Christianity, he wrote that the pope has a duty to hear differing voices within the Church before making a decision, and he downplayed the centrality of the papacy. He also wrote that the Church of the time was too centralized, rule-bound and overly controlled from Rome ^{[citation needed]}. During this time, he distanced himself from the atmosphere of Tübingen and the Marxist leanings of the student movement of the 1960s that quickly radicalized, in the years 1967 and 1968, culminating in a series of disturbances and riots in April and May 1968. Ratzinger came increasingly to see these and associated developments (such as decreasing respect for authority among his students) as connected to a departure from traditional Catholic teachings.^[6] Despite his reformist bent, his views increasingly came to contrast with the liberal ideas gaining currency in theological circles.^[7] Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (German: Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen) is a state-supported university located on the Neckar river, in the city of Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. ... The Reverend Father Hans Küng (born March 19, 1928 in Sursee, Canton of Lucerne), is an eminent Swiss theologian, and a prolific author. ... Marxism is both the theory and the political practice (that is, the praxis) derived from the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. ...

Some voices, among them Hans Küng, deem this a turn towards Conservatism, while Ratzinger himself said in a 1993 interview, "I see no break in my views as a theologian [over the years]".^[8] Ratzinger has continued to defend the Council against criticism, including Nostra Aetate, the document on respect of other religions, ecumenism and the declaration of the right to freedom of religion. (Later, as the Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Ratzinger most clearly spelled out the Catholic Church's position on other religions in the 2000 document Dominus Iesus which also talks about the Roman Catholic way to engage in ecumenical dialogue.) Ths article deals with conservatism as a political philosophy. ... Nostra Aetate is the Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions of the Second Vatican Council. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Ecumenism (also oecumenism, Å“cumenism... The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen guarantees freedom of religion, as long as religious activities do not infringe on public order in ways detrimental to society. ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... Dominus Iesus (Latin for Lord Jesus) is a document by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregations then secretary, Tarcisio Bertone. ... The Catholic Church has been heavily involved in the ecumenical movement since the Second Vatican Council (1961-1965). ...

During his years at Tübingen University, Ratzinger publicized articles in the reformist theological journal Concilium, though he increasingly chose less reformist themes than other contributors to the magazine such as Hans Küng and Edward Schillebeeckx. Concilium is a world-wide journal of Catholic theology. ... The Reverend Father Hans Küng (born March 19, 1928 in Sursee, Canton of Lucerne), is an eminent Swiss theologian, and a prolific author. ... Edward Schillebeeckx (Antwerp, November 12, 1914 -) is a Belgian theologian. ...

In 1969, he returned to Bavaria, to the University of Regensburg. He founded the theological journal Communio, with Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac, Walter Kasper and others, in 1972. Communio, now published in seventeen languages, including German, English and Spanish, has become a prominent journal of contemporary Catholic theological thought. Until his election as Pope, he remained one of the journal's most prolific contributors. For other uses, see Bavaria (disambiguation). ... The University of Regensburg, situated in Regensburg, in Bavaria, was founded on 18th July 1962 by the Bavarian parliament. ... The theological journal Communio was founded in 1972 by Joseph Ratzinger (later elected Pope Benedict XVI), Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac and others. ... Hans Urs von Balthasar (August 12, 1905—June 26, 1988) was a Swiss theologian and priest who was nominated to be a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Henri de Lubac (February 20, 1896-September 4, 1991), a French Jesuit, can be considered to be one of the most influential theologians of post-modern time. ... His Eminence Walter Cardinal Kasper (born March 5, 1933) is a Cardinal Deacon and President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in the Roman Curia. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... This article is about the journal as a written medium. ...

Archbishop of Munich and Freising (1977–1982)

Palais Holnstein in Munich, the residence of Benedict as Archbishop of Munich and Freising

On March 24, 1977, Ratzinger was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising. He took as his episcopal motto Cooperatores Veritatis (Co-workers of the Truth) from 3 John 8, a choice he comments upon in his autobiographical work, Milestones. In the consistory of the following June 27, he was named Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino by Pope Paul VI. By the time of the 2005 Conclave, he was one of only fourteen remaining cardinals appointed by Paul VI, and one of only three of those under the age of 80. Of these, only he and William Wakefield Baum took part in the conclave.^[9] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 597 KB) [edit] Beschreibung [edit] Beschreibung Bildbeschreibung: Palais Holnstein, Munich Quelle: selbst fotografiert Fotograf: Christoph Filser Datum: 2006-07-05 [edit] Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 597 KB) [edit] Beschreibung [edit] Beschreibung Bildbeschreibung: Palais Holnstein, Munich Quelle: selbst fotografiert Fotograf: Christoph Filser Datum: 2006-07-05 [edit] Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are... The Palais Holnstein in Munich is the residence of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising since 1818. ... For other uses, see Munich (disambiguation). ... is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising — known in the German language as Erzbistum München und Freising and in Latin as Archidioecesis Monacensis et Frisingensis — is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Bavaria, Germany. ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... The New Testament Third Epistle of John (often referred to as 3 John) is the 64th book of the Bible. ... // Antiquity Originally, the Latin word consistorium meant simply sitting together, just as the Greek syn(h)edrion (from which the Biblical sanhedrin was a corruption). ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... William Wakefield Cardinal Baum (born November 21, 1926 in Dallas, Texas) is the senior living Roman Catholic Cardinal from the United States and was the senior Cardinal Priest to participate in the 2005 Papal conclave. ...

Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (1981–2005)

Main article: Joseph Ratzinger as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Cardinal Ratzinger in 2003.

On November 25, 1981, Pope John Paul II named Ratzinger Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, formerly known as the Holy Office, the historical Inquisition. Consequently, he resigned his post at Munich in early 1982. He was promoted within the College of Cardinals to become Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni in 1993, was made the College's vice-dean in 1998 and dean in 2002. Pope John Paul II with Cardinal Ratzinger in 1978. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 400 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1273 × 1909 pixel, file size: 748 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI since 2005) on May 10, 2003, during the celebration of the 750th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Stanislaus in... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 400 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1273 × 1909 pixel, file size: 748 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI since 2005) on May 10, 2003, during the celebration of the 750th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Stanislaus in... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... Holy Office can refer to: the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office, now called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - the historical Inquisition another word for the Mass (liturgy) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same... This article is about the Inquisition by the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Sacred College of Cardinals is the body of all Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church established by Pope St. ...

In office, Ratzinger fulfilled his institutional role, defending and reaffirming Catholic doctrine, including teaching on topics such as birth control, homosexuality, and inter-religious dialogue. During his period in office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith took disciplinary measures against some outspoken liberation theologians in Latin America, condemning liberation theology twice (in 1984 and 1986), accusing it of Marxist tendencies and of inciting hate and violence^{[citation needed]}. Leonardo Boff, for example, was suspended, while others were reputedly reduced to silence. Other issues also prompted condemnations or revocations of rights to teach: for instance, eleven years after his death, the writings of Jesuit priest Anthony de Mello were the subject of a "notification" - the notice did not condemn all of De Mello's works as heretical, but noted that many of them, particularly the later works, had what Ratzinger and the CDF interpreted as an element of religious indifferentism (as they saw it, De Mello held that Christ was "one master alongside others"). Some theologians dispute the CDF's interpretations of both liberation theology and the works of thinkers like De Mello. For other uses, see Birth control (disambiguation). ... Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... In Christianity, liberation theology is a school of theology that focuses on Jesus Christ as not only the Redeemer but also the Liberator of the oppressed. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ... Professor Leonardo Boff Leonardo Boff was born 14 December 1938 in Concórdia, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. ... The Society of Jesus (Latin: Societas Iesu), commonly known as the Jesuits, is a Roman Catholic religious order. ... Book authored by the priest. ...

The CDF is best known for its authority over the teaching of Church doctrine, but it also has jurisdiction over other matters, including cases involving the seal of the confessional, clerical sexual misconduct and other matters, in its function as what amounts to a court. In his capacity as Prefect, Ratzinger also penned a controversial letter to all Catholic bishops, declaring that confidential details of Church investigations into accusations made against priests of certain serious ecclesiastical crimes, including sexual abuse, were subject to the pontifical secret and could not, on pain of excommunication, be revealed.^[10][11] The secrecy related only to the internal investigation, not to the abuse itself, and the letter did not discourage victims from reporting such crimes to the police.^{[citation needed]} “Bad Touch” redirects here. ... In Catholicism, the pontifical secret is a code of confidentiality applied to some confidential knowledge within the Church. ... Excommunication is a religious censure used to deprive or suspend membership in a religious community. ...

On March 12, 1983 Joseph Ratzinger as prefect and cardinal notified the lay faithful and the clergy that archbishop Pierre Martin Ngo Dinh Thuc had incurred the excommunication latae sententiae for illicit episcopal consecrations without the apostolic mandate. is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ... In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated bishop. ... Archbishop Peter Martin Ngô Đình Thuc Archbishop Pierre Martin Ngô Đình Thuc (Chu Nom: 吴廷俶October 6, 1897–December 13, 1984), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Hué, Vietnam, was born in Hué, on October 6, 1897, of Catholic parents. ... Excommunication is a religious censure used to deprive or suspend membership in a religious community. ... Latae sententiae is a Latin term from the Canon Law of the Catholic Church meaning by the law itself. When something is Latae Sententiae, an action causes the law to be invoked. ... Valid but illicit, also known as valid but illegal, is a term used within Roman Catholicism to describe the ordination of a priest or consecration of a Bishop by a cardinal or bishop without the authority of the Holy See. ... Ordination is the process in which clergy become authorized by their religious denomination and/or seminary to perform religious rituals and ceremonies. ...

Health

Because of age-related health problems, and in order to have free time to write, he had hoped to retire, and submitted his resignation three times, but had continued at his post in obedience to the wishes of Pope John Paul II. In the early 1990s, Ratzinger suffered a stroke, which slightly impaired his eyesight temporarily. This was known to the Conclave that elected him Pope. In May 2005, the Vatican revealed that he had subsequently suffered another mild stroke; it did not reveal when, other than that it had occurred between 2003 and 2005. France's Philippe Cardinal Barbarin further revealed that since the first stroke, Ratzinger had been suffering from a heart condition as a result of his age, and is currently on medication. It is also notable that he appears to be in far better health than his predecessor was at the age of 79.^[12] In late November 2006, an unconfirmed rumor emerged that Pope Benedict had undergone an operation in preparation for an eventual bypass operation, and that the bronchitis suffered by the Pope has put undue pressure on the Pope's heart.^[13]. For other uses, see Stroke (disambiguation). ... Philippe Barbarin Philippe Xavier Christian Ignace Marie Barbarin (born October 17, 1950 in Rabat, Morocco) is the current archbishop of Lyon, France, and a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. ... Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (medium-size airways) in the lungs. ...

Papacy

Election to the papacy

Main article: Papal conclave, 2005

The Papal conclave of 2005 was convened due to the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. ...

Prediction

On January 2, 2005, Time magazine quoted unnamed Vatican sources as saying that Ratzinger was a front runner to succeed John Paul II should the pope die or become too ill to continue as pope. On the death of John Paul II, the Financial Times gave the odds of Ratzinger becoming pope as 7–1, the lead position, but close to his rivals on the liberal wing of the church. In April 2005, before his election as pope, he was identified as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. While Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Ratzinger repeatedly stated he would like to retire to his house in the Bavarian village of Pentling near Regensburg and dedicate himself to writing books. is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... “TIME” redirects here. ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... The Financial Times (FT) is a British international business newspaper. ... Regensburg (also Ratisbon, Latin Ratisbona) is a city (population 151. ...

Piers Paul Read wrote in The Spectator on March 5, 2005: The Spectator is a conservative British political magazine, established 1828, published weekly. ... This article is about the day. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Though Ratzinger was increasingly considered the front runner by much of the international media, others maintained that his election was far from certain since very few papal predictions in modern history had come true. The elections of both John Paul II and his predecessor, John Paul I had been rather unexpected. Despite being the favorite (or perhaps because he was the favorite), it was a surprise to many that he was actually elected, as traditionally the frontrunners are passed over by the conclave for someone else. Pope John XXIII (Latin: ; Italian: Giovanni XXIII), born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (November 25, 1881 – June 3, 1963), was elected as the 261st Pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City on October 28, 1958. ... Official papal image of John Paul II. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, né Karol Józef Wojtyła (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. ... John Paul I, seen here on the papal throne, is wearing an inexpensive silver pectoral cross, not the standard golden cross worn by Popes and his uncut hair, simply brushed back, was considered unusual but more genuine and modest than the dandy coifs of the other Cardinals. ...

Election

On April 19, 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected as the successor to Pope John Paul II on the second day of the papal conclave after four ballots. Cardinal Ratzinger had hoped to retire peacefully and said that "At a certain point, I prayed to God 'please don't do this to me'...Evidently, this time He didn't listen to me."^[14] Coincidentally, April 19 is the feast of St. Leo IX, the most important German pope of the Middle Ages, known for instituting major reforms during his pontificate. is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Papal conclave of 2005 was convened due to the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Leo IX, born Bruno of Eguisheim-Dagsburg (June 21, 1002 – April 19, 1054) was Pope from February 12, 1049 to his death. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ...

Before his first appearance at the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica after becoming pope, he was announced by Jorge Medina Estévez, protodeacon of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Medina Estévez first addressed the massive crowd as "dear(est) brothers and sisters" in Italian, Spanish, French, German and English, with each language receiving cheers from the international crowd, before continuing with the traditional Habemus Papam announcement in Latin. Interior view, with the nave of the Cattedra in the back St. ... Cardinal Medina Estévez announcing the election of Pope Benedict XVI Jorge Arturo Agustín Medina Estévez (born December 23, 1926 in Santiago, Chile) is a Chilean Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Habemus Papam (We have a Pope!) at the Council of Constance Habemus Papam is the announcement given in Latin by the senior Cardinal Deacon upon the election of a new pope. ...

At the balcony, Benedict's first words to the crowd, given in Italian before he gave the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in Latin, were: Urbi et Orbi, literally to the City [of Rome] and to the World, was a standard opening of Roman proclamations. ...

On April 24, he celebrated the Papal Inauguration Mass in St. Peter's Square, during which he was invested with the Pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman. Then, on May 7, he took possession of his Cathedral church, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) is crowned at the last papal coronation to date, in 1963. ... Berninis piazza was extended by the Via della Conciliazione, Mussolinis grand avenue of approach. ... now. ... Pope Benedict XVIs Ring The Ring of the Fisherman, also known as the Piscatory Ring and the Pescatorio (in Italian), is an official part of the regalia worn by the Pope, who is described by the Roman Catholic Church (of which he is the head) as the successor of... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The late Baroque façade of the Basilica of St. ...

Choice of name

Ratzinger chose the pontifical name Benedict, which in Latin means "the blessed", in honor of both Pope Benedict XV and Saint Benedict of Nursia. Pope Benedict XV was Pope during the first World War, during which time he passionately pursued peace between the warring nations. St. Benedict of Nursia was the founder of the Benedictine monasteries (most monasteries of the Middle Ages were of the Benedictine Order) and the author of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which is still the most influential writing regarding the monastic life of Western Christianity. A regnal name, or reign name, is a formal name used by some popes and monarchs during their reigns. ... Pope Benedict XV (Latin: ), (Italian: Benedetto XV), (November 21, 1854 – January 22, 1922), born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922; he succeeded Pope Pius X (1903–14). ... The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... St Benedict of Nursia (c. ... The Rule of St Benedict by Benedict of Nursia (fl. ...

Benedict XVI explained his choice of name during his first General Audience in St. Peter's Square, on April 27, 2005: An Audience is a formal meeting that takes place between a head of state and another person at the invitation of the head of state. ...

Pope Benedict XV (Latin: ), (Italian: Benedetto XV), (November 21, 1854 – January 22, 1922), born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922; he succeeded Pope Pius X (1903–14). ... The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... Saint Quentin is the patron saint of locksmiths and is also invoked against coughs and sneezes. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ...

Tone of papacy

Pope Benedict XVI's first trip in the Popemobile

During his inaugural Mass, the previous custom of every cardinal submitting to the Pope was replaced by having twelve people, including cardinals, clergy, religious, a married couple and their child, and newly confirmed people, greet him. (The cardinals had formally sworn their obedience upon his election.) He has begun using an open-topped papal car, saying that he wanted to be closer to the people. Pope Benedict has continued the tradition of his predecessor John Paul II and baptizes several infants in the Sistine Chapel at the beginning of every year, in his pastoral role as Bishop of Rome. Image File history File links Benedikt_XVI_im_Papamobil. ... Image File history File links Benedikt_XVI_im_Papamobil. ... Pope John Paul II on a popemobile Another popemobile, produced by Fiat Popemobile is an informal name for the specially designed motor vehicle used by the Pope during public appearances. ... See Reform Judaism article about its Confirmation ceremony. ... Pope John Paul II on a popemobile Another popemobile, produced by Fiat Popemobile is an informal name for the specially designed motor vehicle used by the Pope during public appearances. ...

Benedict's coat of arms has omitted the papal tiara, which traditionally appears in the background to designate the Pope's position as a worldly ruler like a king, replacing it with a simple mitre, emphasizing his spiritual authority.^[17] Although some papal documents since his inauguration appear to include the papal tiara, this is because the arms of the Holy See itself (as opposed to his personal arms) continue to use the tiara and crossed keys, as can be observed, for example, on the website of the Holy See and other official publications. Because it is the shield alone (regardless of its background elements) which is unique to the individual Pope, varying backgrounds are possible for a single shield, though this is rarely done. Pope Benedict XVI also included a traditional pallium beneath his shield as a background element for his arms, emphasizing his pastoral powers. Initial rendering of the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI was designed by then Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (who later was created a Cardinal) soon after the papal election. ... The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the Triregnum, and in Italian as the Triregno, is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, supposedly of Byzantine and Persian origin, that is a prominent symbol of the papacy. ... This article is about the ceremonial head-dress; see also mitre (disambiguation). ... now. ...

Beatifications

On May 9, 2005, Benedict XVI began the beatification process for his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. Normally, five years must pass after a person's death before the beatification process can begin. However, in an audience with Pope Benedict, Camillo Ruini, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome and the official responsible for promoting the cause for canonization of any person who dies within that diocese, cited "exceptional circumstances" which suggested that the waiting period could be waived. The "exceptional circumstances" apparently refer to the cries of "Santo subito!" ("Saint now!") during pontiff's funeral (saints can be declared by popular acclaim, although this is rare). Therefore, the Pope waived the five year rule "so that the cause of Beatification and Canonization of the same Servant of God can begin immediately."^[18] The decision was announced on May 13, 2005, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and the 24th anniversary of the attempt on John Paul II's life.^[19] John Paul II often credited Our Lady of Fatima for preserving him on that day. Cardinal Ruini inaugurated the diocesan phase of the cause for beatification in the Lateran Basilica on June 28, 2005.^[20] is the 129th day of the year (130th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Camillo Cardinal Ruini. ... A vicar general (often abbreviated VG) is the principal deputy of the bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority. ... While all episcopal sees can be referred to as holy sees, the term Holy See is normally used in international relations (as well as in the canon law of the Catholic Church) to refer to the central government of the Catholic Church, headed by the Bishop of Rome, commonly called... Icon of St. ... is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Our Lady of Fatima Our Lady of Fatima (pron. ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The first beatification under the new Pope was celebrated on May 14, 2005, by José Cardinal Saraiva Martins. The new Blesseds were Mother Marianne Cope and Mother Ascensión Nicol Goñi. Mariano de la Mata was beatified in November 2006 and Rosa Eluvathingal was beatified December 3 of that year, and Fr. Basil Moreau is scheduled to be beatified by next year. May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... His Eminence José Cardinal Saraiva Martins (born 6 January 1932) is a Cardinal Deacon and Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Roman Catholic Church. ... Mother Marianne Cope, also called Blessed Marianne of Molokai, lived, worked and died for the lepers of Hawaii. ... Mother Ascensión Nicol Goñi is a candidate for sainthood. ... Mariano de la Mata Aparicio (December 31, 1905 - April 5, 1983) was an Augustinian priest and missionary to Brazil. ... Blessed Eufrasia of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was born on October 7, 1877 in Edathuruthy, a locale in the city of Thrissur, Kerala, India. ... Venerable Father Basil Anthony-Marie Moreau, CSC *Founder, Priests and Brothers of Holy Cross (1837); Marianites of Holy Cross (1841) The Venerable Father Basil Anthony Marie Moreau, CSC (February 11, 1799-January 20, 1873) was a French priest who founded the Congregation of Holy Cross from which three additional congregations...

Unlike his predecessor, Benedict XVI delegated the beatification liturgical service to a Cardinal. On September 29, 2005, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued a communiqué announcing that henceforth beatifications would be celebrated by a representative of the Pope, usually the Prefect of that Congregation.^[21] is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Congregation for the Causes of Saints (Congregatio de Causis Sanctorum) is the congregation of the Roman Curia which oversees the complex process which leads to the canonization of saints, passing through the steps of a declaration of heroic virtues and beatification. ...

Canonisations

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his first canonizations on October 23, 2005 in St. Peter's Square when he canonized Josef Bilczewski, Alberto Hurtado SJ, Zygmunt Gorazdowski, Gaetano Catanoso, and Felice da Nicosia. The canonizations were part of a Mass that marked the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops and the Year of the Eucharist.^[22] Pope Benedict XVI canonized Bishop Rafael Guizar y Valencia, Mother Theodore Guerin, Filippo Smaldone, and Rosa Venerini on October 15, 2006. is the 296th day of the year (297th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Berninis piazza was extended by the Via della Conciliazione, Mussolinis grand avenue of approach. ... Archbishop of Lwów Józef Bilczewski Monument of Józef Bilczewski in Latin Cathedral in Lwów Saint Józef Bilczewski (1860-1923) was a Catholic archbishop of the city of Lwów of the Latins, a professor of theology at the Lwów University and a rector of... Saint Alberto Hurtado Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, born Luis Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, popularly known as Padre Hurtado (January 22, 1901 – August 18, 1952), was a Chilean priest of the Roman Catholic Church religious order of the Society of Jesus. ... Zygmunt Gorazdowski is a Roman Catholic saint. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Saint Felice da Nicosia was born in Nicosia, Sicily, on November 5, 1715 he was a Capuchin friar, and is a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. ... A synod (also known as a council) is a council of a church, usually a Christian church, convened to decide an issue of doctrine or administration. ... The Year of the Eucharist is the name of the liturgical year from October 2004 to October 2005, as celebrated by Catholics worldwide. ... Bishop Rafael Guizar Valencia, born April 26, 1878 and died on June 6, 1938, was a Catholic bishop who cared for the wounded and dying in Mexicos 1910-17 revolution. ... Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was born October 2, 1798, in the village of Etables-sur-Mer in Brittany, France. ... Filippo Smaldone (July 27, 1848 - June 4, 1923} is a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. ... Rosa Venerini (born 1656 in Viterbo; died at Rome in 1728) was an Italian nun recently canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. She was known for setting up the first school for girls in Italy. ... is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

During his visit to Brazil in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI presided over the canonization of Frei Galvão on May 11, while George Preca, founder of the Malta based MUSEUM, Szymon of Lipnica, Charles of Mount Argus, and Marie-Eugénie de Jésus were canonized in a ceremony held at the Vatican on June 3 2007.^[23]. Preca is the 1st Maltese saint since the country's conversion to Christianity back in A.D. 60 when St. Paul converted the inhabitants. ^{[citation needed]}. Saint Anthony de Saint Anne Galvão,OFM, popularly known as Frei Galvão (Friar Galvão), (1739 — December 23, 1822) was a Brazilian friar of the Franciscan order. ... Saint George Preca (in Maltese: San Ä orÄ¡ Preca) (12 February 1880 - 26 July 1962) was a Maltese priest who founded the Society of Christian Doctrine, a society of lay catechists. ... Simon early felt drawn to religious life. ... Saint Charles of Mount Argus (born John Andrew Houben) was a well known Passionist priest in 19th century Ireland. ... Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus, born Anne-Eugénie Milleret de Brou, (August 25, 1817, Metz - March 10, 1898) was a Catholic sister who founded the congregation of the Religious of the Assumption in 1839. ... is the 154th day of the year (155th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “AD” redirects here. ...

Curia reform

Pope Benedict began downsizing the Roman Curia when he merged four existing pontifical councils into two in March 2006. The Pontifical Council for Migrants was merged with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace headed by Cardinal Martino. Likewise, Cardinal Poupard, who headed the Pontifical Council for Culture, now also oversees the operations of what had been the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, though both Councils maintained separate officials and staffs while their status and competencies continued unchanged. In May 2007 it was decided that Inter Religious Dialogue would again become a separate body under a different President. The Roman Curia — usually called the Vatican — is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, coordinating and providing the necessary organisation for the correct functioning of the Catholic Church and the achievement of its goals. ... The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (Justitia et Pax) is a part of the Roman Curia dedicated to action-oriented studies for the international promotion of justice, peace, and human rights from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church. ... His Eminence Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino JCD (born 23 November 1932) is an Italian churchman, Cardinal Deacon, and President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in the Roman Catholic Church. ... Paul Joseph Jean Cardinal Poupard (born August 30, 1930) is a French prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Pontifical Council for Culture (Pontificium Consilium de Cultura) dates back to the Second Vatican Council. ... The Catholic Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, was from 1964 (when Pope Paul VI created it) to 1998 called the Secretariat for Non-Christians. ...

Teachings

See also: Theology of Pope Benedict XVI

As Pope, Benedict XVI's main role is to teach about the Catholic faith and the solutions to the problems of discerning and living the faith, a role that he can play well as a former head of the Church's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The main points of emphasis of his teachings are stated in more detail in Theology of Pope Benedict XVI. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI is based on staunch Catholicism and ancient Tradition. ... His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI is based on staunch Catholicism and ancient Tradition. ...

Friendship with Jesus Christ

Benedict XVI: "The Eucharist is the enduring presence of Jesus' self-oblation." (Deus Caritas Est)

According to commentators, during the Inaugural Mass, the core of the Pope's message, the most moving and famous part, is found in the last paragraph of his homily where he referred to both Jesus Christ and John Paul II. After referring to John Paul II's well-known words, "Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!", Benedict XVI said: Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1284x1320, 1931 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pope Benedict XVI ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1284x1320, 1931 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pope Benedict XVI ... For other uses, see Deus Caritas Est (disambiguation). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... This page is about the title, office or what is known in Christian theology as the Divine Person. ...

"Friendship with Jesus Christ" is a theme of his preaching which is found in many of Benedict's homilies and addresses, for example his address to the priests of Rome, his Episcopal diocese, to the cardinals in the pre-conclave, and to an audience of 150,000 people, among whom were children going to their First Communion.^[25][26][27] He has also said: "We are all called to open ourselves to this friendship with God... speaking to him as to a friend, the only One who can make the world both good and happy... That is all we have to do is put ourselves at his disposal...is an extremely important message. It is a message that helps to overcome what can be considered the great temptation of our time: the claim, that after the Big Bang, God withdrew from history."^[28] Thus, in his book Jesus of Nazareth, his main purpose was "to help foster [in the reader] the growth of a living relationship" with Jesus Christ." ^[29]

He took up this theme in his first encyclical Deus Caritas Est. In his personal explanation and summary of the encyclical, he stated: "If friendship with God becomes for us something ever more important and decisive, then we will begin to love those whom God loves and who are in need of us. God wants us to be friends of his friends and we can be so, if we are interiorly close to them."^[30] Thus, he said that prayer is "urgently needed...It is time to reaffirm the importance of prayer in the face of the activism and the growing secularism of many Christians engaged in charitable work." For other uses, see Deus Caritas Est (disambiguation). ... Mary Magdalene in prayer. ...

"Dictatorship of Relativism"

Continuing what he said in the pre-conclave Mass about what he has often referred to as the "central problem of our faith today" ^[31], on June 6, 2005 Pope Benedict also said: is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

He had previously said that "a dictatorship of relativism"^[33] was the core challenge facing the church. For the physics theory with a similar name, see Theory of Relativity. ... For the physics theory with a similar name, see Theory of Relativity. ...

Benedict traced the failed revolutions and violent ideologies of the twentieth century to a conversion of partial points of view into absolute guides: during World Youth Day, he said "Absolutizing what is not absolute but relative is called totalitarianism."

In an address to a conference of the Diocese of Rome held at the basilica of St. John Lateran June 6, 2005, Benedict remarked on the issues of same-sex marriage and abortion: Late Baroque façade of the Basilica, completed, after a competition for the design, by Alessandro Galilei in 1735 St. ... is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... International recognition Civil unions and domestic partnerships Recognized in some regions Unregistered co-habitation Recognition debated Civil unions legal, same-sex marriage debated See also Same-sex marriage Civil union Registered partnership Domestic partnership Timeline of same-sex marriage Listings by country This box:      Same-sex marriage is a term...

The various forms of the dissolution of matrimony today, like free unions, trial marriages and going up to pseudo-matrimonies by people of the same sex, are rather expressions of an anarchic freedom that wrongly passes for true freedom of man...from here it becomes all the more clear how contrary it is to human love, to the profound vocation of man and woman, to systematically close their union to the gift of life, and even worse to suppress or tamper with the life that is born.^[34]

This has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic gay rights advocates like journalist Andrew Sullivan, who claim that Benedict is espousing a form of fundamentalist edict, and is opposed to external questioning of his doctrines. ^{[citation needed]} Supporters of the Pope argue that traditional Catholic teachings hold homosexual acts (as opposed to merely a homosexual orientation) as sinful and that Benedict XVI is loyal to these teachings.^{[citation needed]} The gay rights movement is a collection of loosely aligned civil rights groups, human rights groups, support groups and political activists seeking acceptance, tolerance and equality for non-heterosexual, (homosexual, bisexual), and transgender people - despite the fact that it is typically referred to as the gay rights movement, members also... Andrew Michael Sullivan (born August 10, 1963) is a libertarian conservative author and political commentator, distinguished by his often personal style of political analysis, and last, and often contended, in technology terms, yet to be determined, the number one solo pioneer in the field of pseudo-conversational political blog journalism. ... Fundamentalism is a movement to maintain strict adherence to founding principles. ...

Christianity as the Religion according to Reason

In the discussion with secularism and rationalism, one of Benedict's basic ideas can be found in his address on the "Crisis of Culture" in the West, a day before Pope John Paul II died, when he referred to Christianity as the Religion of the Word (the original Greek, Logos, meaning reason, meaning, or intelligence). He said: This article is about secularism. ... In epistemology and in its broadest sense, rationalism is any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification (Lacey 286). ... For other uses, see Word (disambiguation). ... This article is about logos (logoi) in ancient Greek philosophy, mathematics, rhetoric, Theophilosophy, and Christianity. ...

Benedict thus endorses creative reason, manifested in the crucified God as love, which contrasts with the strict rationality of the Enlightenment. 18th century philosophy redirects here. ...

Encyclicals

Pope Benedict has to date written one encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (Latin for "God is Love"). The encyclical reflects on the concepts of eros (possessive, often sexual, love), agape (unconditional, self-sacrificing love), logos (the word), and their relationship with the teachings of Jesus. An encyclical was a circular letter sent to all the churches of a particular area in the ancient Christian church. ... For other uses, see Deus Caritas Est (disambiguation). ... Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... Eros ( érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Love (disambiguation). ... Agapē (IPA: or IPA: ) (Gk. ... For other uses, see Love (disambiguation). ... This article is about logos (logoi) in ancient Greek philosophy, mathematics, rhetoric, Theophilosophy, and Christianity. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

The encyclical contains almost 16,000 words in 42 paragraphs. The first half is said to have been written by Benedict in German, his mother tongue, in the summer of 2005; the second half is derived from uncompleted writings left by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.^[36] The document was signed by Pope Benedict on Christmas Day, 25 December 2005.^[37] The encyclical was promulgated a month later in Latin and was translated into English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. It is the first encyclical to be published since the Vatican decided to assert copyright in the official writings of the Pope.^[38] First language (native language, mother tongue, or vernacular) is the language a person learns first. ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Promulgation is the act of formally proclaiming new legislation to the public. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Not to be confused with copywriting. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Pope (from Latin...

It has been reported that Pope Benedict began drafting his second encyclical during his 2007 summer vacation in northern Italy. Insiders have stated the topic will focus on social and economic issues in regards to globalization.^[39] If published in 2007 it would mark the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's encyclical Populorum Progressio, which commented on similar topics.^[40] This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... Calling attention to the worsening marginalization of the poor, Paul VI presents the various dimensions of an integral human development and the necessary conditions for growth in the solidarity of peoples. ...

Post-synodal apostolic exhortation

Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity) signed 22 February 2007, released in Latin, Italian, English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish. It was made available in various languages March 13, 2007 in Rome. The English edition from Libera Editrice Vaticana is 158 pages. This exhortation "seeks to take up the richness and variety of the reflections and proposals which emerged from the recent Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops..." which was held in 2006.^[41] Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity) is the first post-synodal (i e, after the synod held in Rome, October 2-23, 2005) apostolic exhortation by Pope Benedict XVI. It was signed February 22, 2007. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 72nd day of the year (73rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Motu proprio on Tridentine Mass

See also: Summorum Pontificum

A pre-1969 Latin Rite altar with reredos.
A main altar was usually preceded by three steps, below which were said the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar. Side altars usually had only one step.

In early July 2007, Benedict XVI issued the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum that informed Bishops that upon "the request of the faithful" Masses according to the Missal of 1962, preceding the liturgical reforms under Paul VI were to be more generally allowed. With the July 7, 2007 decree congregations who previously had to petition their bishop to have a Tridentine Mass may now merely request it from their local priest.^[42] As long as the priest has "a certain degree of liturgical formation and some knowledge of the Latin language" he may go ahead.^[42] The Reuters News Service called the decree "possibly the most important of Benedict's papacy so far".^[43] Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. Summorum Pontificum (Literally: Of the Supreme Pontiffs) is the Apostolic Letter motu proprio data of Pope Benedict XVI, which formulates the canonical rules to be respected in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church for the celebration of Mass according to the Missal promulgated... University Church, Dublin - study of Tridentine altar. ... University Church, Dublin - study of Tridentine altar. ... An altar and reredos from University Church, Dublin A reredos is a screen or decoration behind the altar in a church, usually depicting religious iconography or images. ... A motu proprio is a papal rescript in which the clause motu proprio (Latin, of his own motion) is used, signifying that the provisions of the rescript were decided by the Pope personally and not by a cardinal or other advisors. ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. Summorum Pontificum (Literally: Of the Supreme Pontiffs) is the Apostolic Letter motu proprio data of Pope Benedict XVI, which formulates the canonical rules to be respected in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church for the celebration of Mass according to the Missal promulgated... For other uses of Mass, see Mass (disambiguation). ... The Tridentine Mass (Pontifical High Mass) being celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wyandotte, Michigan - 1949. ... The Mass of Pope Paul VI is the liturgy of the Catholic Mass of the Roman Rite as revised after the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). ... Reuters Group plc (LSE: RTR and NASDAQ: RTRSY); pronounced is known as a financial market data provider and a news service that provides reports from around the world to newspapers and broadcasters. ...

In an accompanying letter, the Pope outlined his position concerning questions about the new guidelines^[44], emphasizing that the Tridentine Mass would not detract from the Second Vatican Council, and that the Mass of Paul VI would still be the norm and Bishops were not permitted to refuse to say the Mass in the local language. He pointed out that use of Tridentine Mass "was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always permitted."^[44] The letter also decried "deformations of the liturgy ... because in many places celebrations were not faithful to the prescriptions of the new Missal" as the Second Vatican Council was wrongly seen "as authorizing or even requiring creativity", mentioning his own experience.^[44] The Mass of Pope Paul VI is the liturgy of the Catholic Mass of the Roman Rite as revised after the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). ...

The Pope also considered allowing the Tridentine Mass to those who request it, a means to prevent schism, stating that "not enough was done by the Church’s leaders to maintain or regain reconciliation and unity" and that this "imposes an obligation on us today: to make every effort to enable for all those who truly desire unity to remain in that unity or to attain it anew.^[44] Many feel the decree aimed at ending the schism between the Holy See and traditionalist groups such as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). Cardinal Hoyos, who heads up the Holy See's efforts in this field stated that the decree "opened the door for their return" and said "I wouldn't understand if they don't come back."^[43] Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the SSPX, expressed "deep gratitude to the Sovereign Pontiff for this great spiritual benefit."^[42], but also said that the group "had to iron out doctrinal differences with the Vatican before a reconciliation could take place."^[43] The Society of St. ... Darío Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos (born July 4, 1929) is a Colombian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei is a commission of the Roman Catholic Church aiming to bring back traditionalist Catholics into communion with Rome, primarily the Society of Saint Pius X. It is headed by Darío Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos. ...

Some Jewish groups criticized the move because of petititions for the conversion of the Jews included in the Tridentine Good Friday liturgy, which had been reworded by the liturgical reforms.^[45] Some Catholic voices feared that the move would entail a reversal of the Second Vatican Council^[45][43]. Good Friday Prayer can refer to any of the prayers prayed by Christians on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, or to all such prayers collectively. ...

Unicity and Salvific Universality of the Church

Near the end of June 2007, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a document approved by Benedict XVI "because some contemporary theological interpretations of Vatican II's ecumenical intent had been 'erroneous or ambiguous' and had prompted confusion and doubt."^[46] The document has been seen as restating "key sections of a 2000 text the pope wrote when he was prefect of the congregation, Dominus Iesus."^[46] The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... The Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was an Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church opened under Pope John XXIII in 1962 and closed under Pope Paul VI in 1965. ...

The document issued on June 29, 2007 stated in part that "oriental Churches [i.e. Eastern Christianity] ...[merit the title sister Churches] Because these Churches, although separated, have true sacraments and above all – because of the apostolic succession – the priesthood and the Eucharist, by means of which they remain linked to us [Roman Catholicism] by very close bonds. ...However, since communion with the Catholic Church, the visible head of which is the Bishop of Rome and the Successor of Peter, is not some external complement to a particular Church but rather one of its internal constitutive principles, these venerable Christian communities lack something in their condition as particular churches."^[47] Eastern Christianity refers collectively to the Christian traditions and churches which developed in Greece, Russia, Armenia, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, northeastern Africa and southern India over several centuries of religious antiquity. ... In Christian belief and practice, a sacrament is a rite that mediates divine grace, constituting a sacred mystery. ... In Christianity, the doctrine of Apostolic Succession (or the belief that the Church is apostolic) maintains that the Christian Church today is the spiritual successor to the original body of believers in Christ, composed of the Apostles. ... Priesthood in the Catholic Church is the second of the three orders of ordained ministry, Bishop, Priest and Deacon. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ... The term Communion is derived from Latin communio (sharing in common). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Pope (from Latin...

The document went on to say "Christian Communities born out of the Reformation of the sixteenth century... do not enjoy apostolic succession in the sacrament of Orders, and are, therefore, deprived of a constitutive element of the Church. These ecclesial Communities which, specifically because of the absence of the sacramental priesthood, have not preserved the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic Mystery cannot, according to Catholic doctrine, be called "Churches" in the proper sense."^[47] Protestantism encompasses the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated with the doctrines of the Reformation. ...

The document stated that "the full identity of the Church of Christ" is the Roman Catholic Church.^[47] It said that the Catholic Church notes "that there are 'numerous elements of sanctification and of truth' which are found outside her structure, but which 'as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic Unity'. It follows that these separated churches and Communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation. In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church."^[47]

The approval of the document drew some criticism, such as the statement by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches which said "It makes us question whether we are indeed praying together for Christian unity."^[46] The statement continued that the document "makes us question the seriousness with which the Roman Catholic Church takes its dialogues with the Reformed family and other families of the church". The leading Lutheran cleric in Germany Bishop Wolfgang Huber wondered why no attempt was made to use more diplomatic language saying, "it would also be completely sufficient if it were to be said that the reforming churches are 'not churches in the sense required here' or that they are 'churches of another type' — but none of these bridges is used" in the Vatican document."^[46] Others, such as Rev. Sara MacVane, of the Anglican Centre in Rome, saw it as in line with the previous position of the Church but questioned the timing of its release, saying "I don't know what motivated it at this time."^[46] The Russian Orthodox Church, however, called the document "honest", noting that it contains nothing new and was conducive to "an honest theological dialogue."^[48] The issuing of this document and the recent allowance made by Benedict XVI for congregations who wished to say the Mass in Latin was seen by some of his critics as a move towards conservatism, some even "raised questions about Benedict’s commitment to the changes made during the Second Vatican Council."^[49] The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) is a fellowship of more than 200 churches with roots in the 16th-century Reformation. ... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ... The Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (Russian: ), also known as the Orthodox Christian Church of Russia, is a body of Christians who are united under the Patriarch of Moscow, who in turn is in communion with the other patriarchs and primates of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ...

Ecumenical efforts

Speaking at his weekly audience in St Peter's Square on 7 June 2006, Pope Benedict asserted that Jesus himself had entrusted the leadership of the Church to his apostle Peter. "Peter's responsibility thus consists of guaranteeing the communion with Christ," said Pope Benedict. "Let us pray so that the primacy of Peter, entrusted to poor human beings, may always be exercised in this original sense desired by the Lord, so that it will be increasingly recognised in its true meaning by brothers who are still not in communion with us." The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope has a leading role among Christians because as Bishop of Rome he is successor to the apostle Peter who first held the office. The role of the papacy remains a source of controversy, not only for Protestant denominations but also for Eastern Orthodox churches, who likewise do not accept Petrine primacy as defined at the First Vatican Council.^[50] is the 158th day of the year (159th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... “St Peter” redirects here. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... The First Vatican Council was summoned by Pope Pius IX by the bull Aeterni Patris of June 29, 1868. ...

Dissident Catholics

On August 29, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI met with Bishop Bernard Fellay of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, an international society of traditionalist Roman Catholic priests, which since 1975 has existed in a state of dispute with the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Fellay had previously issued a statement welcoming the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope.^[51] Bernard Fellay (born April 12, 1958 in Sierre, Switzerland) is a bishop and the current Superior General of the Society of St. ... The Society of St. ...

Orthodox

The bishops of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople have expressed concern over Pope Benedict XVI's decision to strike out "patriarch of the West" from his official titles in the Vatican yearbook. In a June 8, 2006 statement, the chief secretary of the Orthodox bishops' synod said dropping "patriarch of the West" while retaining the titles "vicar of Jesus Christ" and "supreme pontiff of the universal church" is "perceived as implying a universal jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome over the entire church, which is something the Orthodox have never accepted." The statement was issued after synod members discussed the change during their early June meeting. Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said in a March statement that dropping the title of patriarch in reference to the pope does not minimize the importance of the patriarchal office, particularly in relation to the ancient Eastern churches. "Even less can this suppression be seen as implying new claims" of power or authority on the part of the Vatican, he said. However, members of the Orthodox synod disagreed. From their point of view, "the geographical limits of each ecclesiastical jurisdiction" have been a key part of the structure of the church from the earliest days of Christianity. The church as a whole is "a unity of full local churches" and not a monolith divided into local units simply for the sake of easier governance. The Orthodox synod's statement said that, with the international Catholic-Orthodox theological dialogue set to begin again in September with plans to deal with the "thorny problem" of papal primacy, it would have been better not to have removed the title without consultation.^[52] Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... The Patriarch of Constantinople is the Ecumenical Patriarch, the first among equals in the Eastern Orthodox Communion. ... is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... For other uses, see Cardinal (disambiguation). ... His Eminence Walter Cardinal Kasper (born March 5, 1933) is a Cardinal Deacon and President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in the Roman Curia. ... The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity origins are associated with the Second Vatican Council. ... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ...

A leading Muscovite Orthodox spokesman has said that a visit to Ukraine by Pope Benedict XVI would be "untimely", according to the country's RISU news service. "If Pope Benedict is a moral and a spiritual person and wants only good for Ukraine and its people, he will never take such an unreasonable step," said Valentyn Lukianyk, the head of the Union of Orthodox Brotherhoods of Ukraine. He was responding to the news that Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has invited the Pope to visit the country. After the collapse of the Soviet Union there have been numerous clashes between Orthodox and Catholic believers over the ownership of parish properties that were confiscated by the Communists and handed over to the Russian Orthodox Church. At the same time, Orthodox leaders have complained that Catholics are engaged in "proselytism", seeking converts among Orthodox believers. In his statement opposing a papal visit, Lukianyk said that relations between Catholics and Orthodox in Ukraine are now "warming." A visit by Pope Benedict, he said, would place an undue burden on those sensitive ties.^[53] The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Ukrainian: ; Russian: ) is an autonomous church of Eastern Orthodoxy in Ukraine, under the ecclesiastic link to the Moscow Patriarchy. ... Viktor Andriyovych Yushchenko (Ukrainian:  ) (born February 23, 1954) is the current President of Ukraine. ... Separate articles treat Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox Judaism. ... This article is about communism as a form of society, as an ideology advocating that form of society, and as a popular movement. ...

Archbishop Christodoulos, Archbishop of Athens, visited Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on December 13, 2006. It was the first official visit by a Greek church leader to the Vatican. Archbishop Christodoulos was present for the funeral of Pope John Paul II. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, with other Orthodox prelates also were present for the funeral Mass. Archbishop Christodoulos His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos (Greek: Χριστόδουλος) (born Christos Paraskevaides Χρήστος Παρασκευαΐδης on 1939 in Xanthi) is the prelate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece, a position to which he was elected in 1998. ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Official papal image of John Paul II. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, né Karol Józef Wojtyła (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Throne inside the Patriarchade of Constantinople. ... Patriarch Bartholomew I (born Demetrios Archontonis on February 29, 1940) has been the Patriarch of Constantinople, and thus first among equals in the Eastern Orthodox Communion, since November 2, 1991. ...

Protestants

In 2005, Pope Benedict sent a message to the national synod of the Reformed Church of France, the country’s main Protestant community, who thanked the Pontiff for this “gesture of consideration.” The Reformed Church of France (French: , ÉRF) is the Reformed, originally Calvinist, church of France. ...

In more general terms, Pope Benedict addressed Protestant churches in a speech during his trip to Cologne, Germany in 2005, discussing a "renewed sense of our brotherhood" and "a more open and trusting climate between Christians belonging to the various Churches and Ecclesial Communities." [5]

According to John L. Allen, Jr.'s Cardinal Ratzinger, the Pope, a German himself, feels a bond towards Lutherans and has Lutheran friends. Allen, in fact, compares the then Cardinal Ratzinger's feelings towards Lutherans to the feelings John Paul had for Orthodox Christians in that both men wanted a divided Christendom to be reunited. The Pope is said to be rather ambivalent towards Martin Luther. John L. Allen, Jr. ... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ...

In Autumn 2006 Pope Benedict met with Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual head of the Anglican Communion. They issued a Common Declaration, highlighting the previous 40 years of dialogue between Catholics and Anglicans while also acknowledging "serious obstacles to our ecumenical progress." [6] For the English boxer, see Rowan Anthony Williams. ... The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader and senior clergyman of the Church of England, recognized by convention as the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. ... Main article: Anglicanism The Anglican Communion is a world-wide affiliation of Anglican Churches. ...

The June 2007 clarification of Dominus Iesus, approved by the Pope, restated the Catholic Church's position that Protestant faith communities "are not true Churches," as contrasted with Orthodox communities, which are considered true, but defective, Churches.^{[54] [46][47]} Dominus Iesus (Latin for Lord Jesus) is a document by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregations then secretary, Tarcisio Bertone. ...

Dialogue with other religions

Pope Benedict is open to dialogue with other religious groups, and has sought to improve relations with them throughout his pontificate. He has, however, generated certain controversies in doing so.

Judaism

The World Jewish Congress "welcomed" his election to the pontificate, noted "his great sensitivity to the Jewish history and the Holocaust", and quoted the Pope in its press release: The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is an international federation of Jewish communities and organizations. ... For other uses, see Holocaust (disambiguation) and Shoah (disambiguation). ...

Even if the most recent, loathsome experience of the Shoah (Holocaust) was perpetrated in the name of an anti-Christian ideology, which tried to strike the Christian faith at its Abrahamic roots in the people of Israel, it cannot be denied that a certain insufficient resistance to this atrocity on the part of Christians can be explained by an inherited anti-Judaism present in the hearts of not a few Christians.

However, Pope Benedict XVI's meeting with a Polish priest who has been accused of making anti-Jewish comments has shocked Jewish groups. The European Jewish Congress said that it was 'shocked' in a letter to the Vatican.^[55]

Islam

Main article: Pope Benedict XVI and Islam

Pope Benedict's relations with Islam have been at times strained. On 12 September 2006 Pope Benedict XVI delivered a lecture on Islam at the University of Regensburg in Germany. The pope had previously served as professor of theology at the university, and his lecture was entitled "Faith, Reason and the University — Memories and Reflections". The lecture received much condemnation and praise from political and religious authorities. Many Islamic politicians and religious leaders registered their protest against what they said was an insulting mischaracterization of Islam,^[56][57] contained in the quotation by the pope of the following passage: Main article: Pope Benedict XVI The Pope strongly condemned the Mohammed cartoons, first published by a Danish newspaper and later in other European papers, saying In the international context we are living at present, the Catholic Church continues convinced that, to foster peace and understanding between peoples and men, it... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The University of Regensburg, situated in Regensburg, in Bavaria, was founded on 18th July 1962 by the Bavarian parliament. ... Theology finds its scholars pursuing the understanding of and providing reasoned discourse of religion, spirituality and God or the gods. ... The Islamic world is the world-wide community of those who identify with Islam, known as Muslims, and who number approximately one-and-a-half billion people. ...

The passage originally appeared in the “Dialogue Held With A Certain Persian, the Worthy Mouterizes, in Anakara of Galatia”^[58], written in 1391 as an expression of the views of the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus, one of the last Christian rulers before the Fall of Constantinople to the Muslim Ottoman Empire, on such issues as forced conversion, holy war, and the relationship between faith and reason. Pope Benedict apologised for any offence he had caused and made a point of visiting Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, and praying in its Blue Mosque. The Byzantine Empire is the term conventionally used to describe the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, centered at its capital in Constantinople. ... Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos Half stavraton coin by Manuel. ... Combatants  Byzantine Empire Ottoman Sultanate Commanders Constantine XI †, Loukas Notaras, Giovanni Giustiniani †[1] Mehmed II, ZaÄŸanos Pasha Strength 7,000[2] 80,000[1]-200,000[1][3] Casualties 4,000 dead[4] 10,000 civilian dead[5][6] unknown The Fall of Constantinople refers to the capture of... Ottoman redirects here. ... A forced conversion occurs when someone adopts a religion or philosophy under the threat that a refusal would result in negative non-spiritual consequences. ... For other uses of the term, see Holy War. ... For other uses, see Faith (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Reason (disambiguation). ...

See also: Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy

Pope Benedict XVI, January 2006 The Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy arose from a lecture delivered on 12 September 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg in Germany. ...

Tibetan Buddhism

The Dalai Lama congratulated Pope Benedict XVI upon his election,^[59] and visited him in October 2006 in the Vatican City. Tenzin Gyatso (born 6 July 1935) is the fourteenth and current Dalai Lama. ...

Indigenous American beliefs

While visiting Brazil in May 2007, "the pope sparked controversy by saying that native populations had been 'silently longing' for the Christian faith brought to South America by colonizers."^[60] The Pope continued, stating that "the proclamation of Jesus and of his Gospel did not at any point involve an alienation of the pre-Columbus cultures, nor was it the imposition of a foreign culture."^[60] President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela demanded an apology, and an indigenous organization in Ecuador issued a response which stated that "representatives of the Catholic Church of those times, with honorable exceptions, were accomplices, deceivers and beneficiaries of one of the most horrific genocides of all humanity."^[60] Later, the pope, speaking Italian, said at a weekly audience that it was "not possible to forget the suffering and the injustices inflicted by colonizers against the indigenous population, whose fundamental human rights were often trampled."^[61] South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator and colonialist who is one of the first Europeans to discover the Americas, after the Vikings. ... List of Presidents of Venezuela José Antonio Páez (1830-1835) José María Vargas (1835-1837) Carlos Soublette (1837-1839) José Antonio Páez (1839-1843) Carlos Soublette (1843-1847) José Tadeo Monagas (1847-1851) José Gregorio Monagas (1851-1855) José Tadeo Monagas (1855-1858) Julián Castro (1858... President Hugo Chávez Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (born July 28, 1954) has been the President of Venezuela since 1999. ... For other uses, see Genocide (disambiguation). ...

Apostolic journeys

See also: List of journeys of Pope Benedict XVI

Unlike his predecessor, John Paul II, Pope Benedict has not made as many pastoral trips outside the Vatican. Nevertheless, Benedict has visited four countries to date: his homeland, Germany, which he has visited twice, once for World Youth Day and once to visit the towns of his childhood. He has also visited Poland and Spain, where he was enthusiastically received. His visit to Turkey, an overwhelmingly Muslim nation two months after his visit to Bavaria, Germany was initially overshadowed by the controversy about a lecture he had given at Regensburg. His visit was met by nationalist and Islamic protesters^[62] and was placed under unprecedented security measures.^[63] However, the trip went ahead and Benedict made a joint declaration with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in an attempt to begin to heal the rift between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Pope Benedict has not been as active in visiting other countires as his predecessor, John Paul II was, but has nonetheless made several trips a year to foreign countries. ... Official papal image of John Paul II. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, né Karol Józef Wojtyła (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. ... World Youth Day 2000 in Rome World Youth Day (It. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... For other uses, see Bavaria (disambiguation). ... Pope Benedict XVI, January 2006 The Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy arose from a lecture delivered on 12 September 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg in Germany. ... Patriarch Bartholomew I His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome (Greek:Η Αυτού Θειοτάτη Παναγιότητα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος Α Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, Νέας Ρώμης) , born Demetrios Archontonis (Δημήτριος Αρχοντώνης, Dimítrios Archontónis) on 29 February 1940) has been the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and thus first among equals in the Eastern Orthodox Communion, since 2 November 1991. ...

In 2007, Pope Benedict visited Brazil in order to address the Bishops' Conference there and canonise Friar Antônio Galvão, an 18th century Franciscan. Saint Anthony de Saint Anne Galvão,OFM, popularly known as Frei Galvão (Friar Galvão), (1739 — December 23, 1822) was a Brazilian friar of the Franciscan order. ...

On September 7, 2007, Pope Benedict arrived at Vienna International Airport at 11:15 a.m., where he was greeted by Austria's President Heinz Fischer and Cardinal Archbishop Christoph Schönborn.^[64] In the three-day visit, he joined Jewish leaders to pay a silent tribute to victims of the Nazi Holocaust. As a pilgrim, it is his seventh foreign trip in two years, and he joined Vienna's chief rabbi in a memorial to the 65,000 Viennese Jews who perished in Nazi death camps.^[65] During his stay in Austria, he also visited Mariazell. Vienna International Airport (IATA: VIE, ICAO: LOWW) (German: Flughafen Wien-Schwechat), located 18 kilometers (11 miles) southeast of Vienna, is the busiest airport in Austria. ... Heinz Fischer (born 9 October 1938) is the federal president of Austria. ... The word cardinal comes from the Latin cardo for hinge and usually refers to things of fundamental importance, as in cardinal rule or cardinal sins. ... In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated bishop. ... Christoph Cardinal Schönborn His Eminence Christoph Cardinal Schönborn OP (who would have been Count Christoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert von Schönborn if Austrian law on nobility were not in place), born on January 22, 1945 at Skalken castle west of Leitmeritz, in Bohemia, which is... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination... Victim was the title of a British film made in 1961, directed by Basil Deardon and starring Dirk Bogarde and Sylvia Simms. ... Concentration camp inmates during the Holocaust The Holocaust was Nazi Germanys systematic genocide (ethnic cleansing) of various ethnic, religious, national, and secular groups during World War II. Early elements include the Kristallnacht pogrom and the T-4 Euthanasia Program established by Hitler that killed some 200,000 people. ... Monument to pilgrims in Burgos, Spain This article is on religious pilgrims. ... For the town in Italy, see Rabbi, Italy. ... The memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii commemorates American dead from wars in the Pacific. ... Extermination camps were one type of facility that Nazi Germany built during World War II for the systematic killing of millions of people in what has become known as the Holocaust. ... Mariazell is a small city in Austria, in Styria, well known for winter sports, 143 km N. of Graz. ...

Attire

Pope Benedict XVI has re-introduced papal garments which had previously fallen into disuse. During his installment address, he spoke at length about the significance of the pallium and has returned to an ancient version, an Eastern design, used by first millennium pontiffs. The crossed keys symbolise the keys of Simon Peter. ... now. ...

Benedict can be seen wearing the winter mozetta, choir dress, and papal slippers.

His house cassock (simar or cassock with shoulder cape) also includes the upper half-sleeves discontinued for all other clerics by the authority of Paul VI's motu proprio "Pontificalis Domus" of 1968. Until then, church regulations regarding the simar had required black leather shoes with silver buckles; Paul VI outlawed the buckles. Benedict XVI's shoes do not have silver buckles. Pope Benedict XVI wears scarlet red leather slippers with white socks. Contrary to initial speculation, the Vatican has announced the loafers are not made by Prada, they are provided by the pope's personal cobbler.^[66] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image:PapalSlippers. ... Clergy in Cassocks A Roman Catholic priest from Belgian Congo wearing the Roman cassock. ... The Archbishop of Westminster, and the Archbishop of St. ... A motu proprio is a papal rescript in which the clause motu proprio (Latin, of his own motion) is used, signifying that the provisions of the rescript were decided by the Pope personally and not by a cardinal or other advisors. ... Scarlet (from the Persian saqirlat or Latin astacus, crayfish) is a red color with a hue that is somewhat toward the orange. ... Prada, S.p. ... Cobbler may mean: a person who makes and repairs shoes and boots for a living. ...

The Pope's mozetta has a hood forbidden for most other clergy.

Pope Benedict XVI has also continued the use of the red satin papal outdoor cloak, complete with hood reserved only for Popes and certain abbots. He also appears in choir dress, when appropriate. Not only does he wear the summer variant with its red satin cape, known as the mozzetta, but he has also re-introduced the ermine-trimmed winter version that has not been seen since Pope Paul VI. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 409 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1772 × 2598 pixel, file size: 604 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 409 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1772 × 2598 pixel, file size: 604 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Look up mozzetta in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ...

On December 21, 2005, the pope began wearing the camauro for his general audiences; the traditional papal hat had not been seen since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII (1958–1963). On September 6, 2006 the pope wore the red cappello romano (also called a saturno). Rarely used by John Paul II, it was more widely worn by his predecessors. is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A camauro (from the Latin camelaucum, from Greek kamelauchion, meaning camel skin hat) is a cap traditionally worn by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Pope John XXIII (Latin: ; Italian: Giovanni XXIII), born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (November 25, 1881 – June 3, 1963), was elected as the 261st Pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City on October 28, 1958. ... is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A cappello romano (literally Roman hat) is a hat with a wide, circular brim and a rounded rim worn by Catholic clergy. ...

One item of clothing that Benedict has not worn to date is the papal tiara. Like his two immediate predecessors, Benedict chose not to be crowned with the tiara during his Inauguration Mass, nor has he worn it since that time. Unlike them, however, he has emphasized this decision by breaking with all prior tradition in choosing not to include the tiara in his coat of arms. Other traditional items unused by the pope include the vestmental gloves known as gauntlets. The Papal Tiara, also known as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the Triregnum, and in Italian as the Triregno, is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, supposedly of Byzantine and Persian origin, that is a prominent symbol of the papacy. ... Pair of gauntlets, Germany, end of the 16th century Gauntlet is a name for several different styles of glove. ...

Titles

The official title of the Pope is His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI; in Latin, Benedictus XVI, Episcopus Romae. However, his rarely-used full title is "His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God." It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pope. ... In Rome, the title of Supreme Pontiff (in Latin, Pontifex Maximus), belongs to the chief religious official of the city. ... Primate (from the Latin Primus, first) is a title or rank bestowed on some bishops in certain Christian churches. ... In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated bishop. ... In hierarchical Christian churches, the rank of metropolitan bishop, or simply metropolitan, pertains to the diocesan bishop or archbishop (then more precisely called Metropolitan archbishop) of a metropolis; that is, the chief city of an old Roman province, ecclesiastical province, or regional capital. ... Servus Servorum Dei is a Latin phrase meaning Servant of the Servants of God. ...

Before 1 March 2006, the list of titles also used to contain that of a "Patriarch of the West", which traditionally appeared in that list of titles before "Primate of Italy." The title of "Patriarch of the West" was first adopted in the year 642 by Pope Theodore I, but was rarely used since the East-West Schism of 1054. From the Orthodox perspective, authority in the Church could be traced to the five patriarchates of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. However, some Catholic theologians have argued that the term "Patriarch of the West" has no clear historical or theological basis and was introduced into papal court in 1870, at the time of the First Vatican Council. Pope Benedict chose to remove the title at a time when discussions with the Orthodox churches have centered on the issue of papal primacy. It has also been suggested that "the West" is a misnomer as the modern Latin Church is today global in its extent. Pope John Paul II reportedly considered dropping the title during his own pontificate. is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other senses, see Patriarch (disambiguation). ... Theodore I (d. ... For the later Papal Schism in Avignon, see Western Schism. ... This article is about the city before the Fall of Constantinople (1453). ... This article is about the city in Egypt. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Antakya. ... For other uses, see Jerusalem (disambiguation). ... The First Vatican Council was summoned by Pope Pius IX by the bull Aeterni Patris of June 29, 1868. ... The Latin Rite is one of the 23 sui iuris particular Churches within the Catholic Church. ... Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of...

Political positions

Turkey

Main article: Accession of Turkey to the European Union

In an 2004 Le Figaro, Ratzinger said that Turkey, which is demographically Muslim but governmentally secular by virtue of its state constitution (see Secularism in Turkey), should seek its future in an association of Muslim nations rather than the European Union, which Ratzinger has stated has Christian roots. He said Turkey had always been "in permanent contrast to Europe" and that linking it to Europe would be a mistake.^[67] One of a number of posters created to promote the Marshall Plan in Europe, featuring Turkey Turkeys formal application to join the European Community—the organization that has since developed into the European Union—was made on April 14th, 1987. ... Le Figaro (English: ) is one of the leading French morning daily newspapers. ... There is also a collection of Hadith called Sahih Muslim A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم, Persian: Mosalman or Mosalmon Urdu: مسلمان, Turkish: Müslüman, Albanian: Mysliman, Bosnian: Musliman) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. ... This article is about secularism. ... // Since the establishment of the republic in 1923, there has been a strong tradition of secularism in Turkey. ... Nations with a Muslim majority appear in green, while nations that are approximately 50% Muslim appear yellow. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ...

Later visiting the country to "reiterate the solidarity between the cultures," it was reported that he made a counter-statement backing Turkey's bid to join the EU. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after meeting the pope upon his arrival in Ankara, the pope's first visit to a majority Muslim country, said that the pope told him that while the Vatican seeks to stay out of politics it desires Turkey's membership in the EU.^[68][69] However, the Common Declaration of Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople implied that support for Turkey's membership in the European Union would be contingent on the establishment of religious freedom in Turkey:^[70] "In every step towards unification, minorities must be protected, with their cultural traditions and the distinguishing features of their religion."^[71] The Declaration also reiterates Pope Benedict XVI's call for Europe to preserve its Christian roots. This is a chronological list of every government formed by the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Turkey. ... ErdoÄŸan redirects here. ... Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the countrys second largest city after Ä°stanbul. ... Patriarch Bartholomew I His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the 270th successor to the Apostle Andrew and spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. ... The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen guarantees freedom of religion, as long as religious activities do not infringe on public order in ways detrimental to society. ...

Birth control and HIV/AIDS

It was widely reported in April 2006 that the Vatican had launched a commission to investigate and prepare a document regarding the question of whether there are any cases when a married person may use condoms to protect against infection from their spouse. Though no conclusions have yet been reached, the investigation has surprised many Catholics in the wake of John Paul II's consistent refusal to consider condom use in response to AIDS and the widespread belief that his successor shared this view.^[72] In November 2005 the Pope had listed several ways to combat the spread of HIV, including chastity, fidelity in marriage and anti-poverty efforts with no mention of condoms. However, Time Magazine reported in its April 30, 2006 edition that the Vatican's position remains what it always has been with Vatican officials "flatly dismiss[ing] reports that the Vatican is about to release a document that will condone any condom use."^[73] Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II. The Letter M is for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom he held strong devotion Pope John Paul II (Latin: , Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan PaweÅ‚ II) born   []; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) reigned as the 264th Pope of... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Da Vinci Code

On June 19, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI urged Christians to reject those who "falsify the Word of Christ," which was seen as an allusion to the controversy over the Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Addressing a huge open-air mass in central Warsaw on the second day of his visit to Poland, the pontiff used his homily to warn against the temptation of doctoring what he said were Biblical truths. He stated: "As in past centuries, so today there are people or groups who seek to falsify the Word of Christ and to remove from the Gospel those truths which in their view are too uncomfortable for modern man." In American author Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, Jesus is said to have fathered a daughter with Mary Magdalene whose bloodline continues to this day.^[74] This article is about the author. ... This article is about the novel. ...

Work

Pope Benedict has also warned about the dangers of excessive work. He quoted Bernard of Clairvaux, who said, "See where these accursed occupations can lead you, if you continue to lose yourself in them." The pope said: "Numerous occupations often lead to 'hardness of heart.' They are no more than suffering for the spirit, loss of intelligence and dispersion of grace."^[75] Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–August 21, 1153) was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian monastic order. ...

Korea

On November 13, 2006, Benedict said the dispute over the North Korea nuclear weapons program should be resolved through negotiations, in his first public comment on the security issue, a news report said. "The Holy See encourages bilateral or multilateral negotiations, convinced that the solution must be sought through peaceful means and in respect for agreements taken by all sides to obtain the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Benedict said in a speech to the new Japanese ambassador to Vatican.^[76] North Korea claims to possess nuclear weapons, and the CIA asserts that it has a substantial arsenal of chemical weapons. ... The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. ...

Migrants and refugees

In a message released November 14, 2006, during a Vatican press conference for the 2007 annual observance of World Day for Migrants and Refugees, the pope urged the ratification of international conventions and policies that defend all migrants, including refugees, exiles, evacuees, and internally displaced persons. "The church encourages the ratification of the international legal instruments that aim to defend the rights of migrants, refugees and their families," the pope said. "Much is already being done for the integration of the families of immigrants, although much still remains to be done."^[77] Exile (band) may refer to: Exile - The American country music band Exile - The Japanese pop music band Category: ... Emergency evacuation is the movement of persons from a dangerous place due to the threat or occurrence of a disastrous event. ... Tailor in Labuje IDP camp in Uganda An internally displaced person (IDP) is someone who has been forced to leave their home for reasons such as religious or political persecution, war or natural disaster, but has not crossed an international border. ...

Pope Benedict has also promoted various UN events, such as World Refugee Day, on which he offered up special prayers for refugees and called for the international community to do more to secure refugees' human rights. He also called on Catholic communities and organizations to offer them concrete help.^[78] This article is about the United Nations, for other uses of UN see UN (disambiguation) Official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic Secretary-General Kofi Annan (since 1997) Established October 24, 1945 Member states 191 Headquarters New York City, NY, USA Official site http://www. ... World Refugee Day, held on June 20, celebrates the lives and contributions of refugees everywhere. ...

China

Main article: Roman Catholicism in China

On June 28, 2006, for the first time in more than five years, an official Vatican delegation visited China and met with government officials, signaling a warming between the two nations that had previously been locked in conflict. "This is a real gesture by the Vatican and its diplomats," said the Reverend Bernardo Cervellera, director of AsiaNews, a Catholic missionary news service with close links to the Vatican. In sending diplomats to Beijing, the Vatican, under Pope Benedict XVI, is publicly expressing interest in improving relations with China despite the recent conflicts.^[79] Catholicism in China has a long and complicated history. ... “Peking” redirects here. ...

In 2007 Benedict sent a letter at Easter to Catholics in China that could have wide-ranging implications for the church's relationship with China's leadership. The letter provides long-requested guidance to Chinese bishops on how to respond to illicitly ordained bishops, as well as how to strengthen ties with the Patriotic Association and the Communist government.^[80]

See also

• Works of Pope Benedict XVI - literature written by Pope Benedict XVI
• Theology of Pope Benedict XVI - philosophical and theological beliefs of Pope Benedict XVI
• Georg Gänswein - private secretary to Benedict
• Dominus Iesus - document written by Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
• The Message of Fatima - document on the release of the Third Secret of Fatima
• Deus Caritas Est - first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI
• Pope Benedict - list of other popes and antipopes using the name Benedict

These are the works written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, elected Pope Benedict XVI: As Joseph Kardinal Ratzinger (original titles) Dialektik der Säkularisierung (En: The Dialectics of Secularization), Freiburg im Breisgau 2005, ISBN 3-451-28869-9 Werte in Zeiten des Umbruchs (En: Values in a Time of Upheaval), Freiburg... His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI is based on staunch Catholicism and ancient Tradition. ... Reverend Monsignor Georg Gänswein, JCD (born July 30, 1956 in Riedern am Wald, Waldshut, Baden-Württemberg) is a German priest of the Catholic Church, and the personal secretary of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Known by Italians as Padre Georg or (due to his handsome looks) Bel Giorgio... Dominus Iesus (Latin for Lord Jesus) is a document by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregations then secretary, Tarcisio Bertone. ... Our Lady of Fatima Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto and Lúcia dos Santos in 1917 The Three Secrets of Fatima are said to be three prophecies that were given by an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three young Portuguese shepherds, Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco... For other uses, see Deus Caritas Est (disambiguation). ... An encyclical was a circular letter sent to all the churches of a particular area in the ancient Christian church. ... Pope Benedict is the regnal name of the current Roman pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI (2005–present) and has been the name of fifteen other popes: Pope Benedict I (575–579) Pope Benedict II (684–685) Pope Benedict III (855–858) Pope Benedict IV (900–903... For the book by Robert Rankin, see The Antipope. ...

Further reading

Books by Pope Benedict

Literature about Pope Benedict

Biographies of Pope Benedict

John L. Allen, Jr. ... John L. Allen, Jr. ... George Weigel (Baltimore, 1951 - ) is an American conservative author, Roman Catholic theologian and political and social activist. ...

Documentaries

• The keys of the Kingdom, from John Paul II to Benedict XVI, produced by Vatican Television Center, distributed by HDH Communications, 2006.

References

BBC News is the department within the BBC responsible for the corporations news-gathering and production of news programmes on BBC television, radio and online. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “TIME” redirects here. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (Thursday, January 9, 1902 – Thursday, June 26, 1975) (also known as Jose María or Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás, born José María Mariano Escriba Albás) was a Spanish Catholic priest and founder of the Prelature of the Holy... For other uses, see Opus Dei (disambiguation). ... is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Times is a national newspaper published daily in the United Kingdom since 1788. ... is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 364th day of the year (365th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Times is a national newspaper published daily in the United Kingdom since 1788. ... is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Wall Street Journal is an influential international daily newspaper published in New York City, New York with an average daily circulation of 1,800,607 (2002). ...

External links and references

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German Cardinal Ratzinger elected Pope Benedict XVI

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General

• Deus Caritas Est – encyclical God is Love (in English)
• Vatican: the Holy See – Vatican web site
• The Holy See - The Holy Father - Benedict XVI – Vatican web site about the Holy Father Benedict XVI
• Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday 2005, Introduction, and Meditations and prayers on the 14 Stations of the Cross.
• Vatican: Election Vatican web page about election
• Communio magazine, founded by Ratzinger and others. Contains recent articles by him.
• Official email address: [7] (see link 'Greetings to the Holy Father')
• Oasis Oasis center features papal documents as well as theological texts into Arabic
• Benedict XVI TV video speeches, events, clips
• NBC News Special Report - Vatican Announces New Pope (Video)

The Pope and the Second Vatican Council

• Card. Ratzinger's 1988 Remarks to the Bishops of Chile
• Ten Years of the Motu Proprio "Ecclesia Dei"
• The Indult Tridentine Rite of Mass - History of 1962 rubrics until motu proprio letter "Summorum Pontificum" which removed most restrictions on Tridentine Masses

Criticisms

• Islam gets concessions; infidels get conquered By Raymond Ibrahim
• Not what it was, but what it does by Spengler
• Pope Benedict and the Crisis of Truth by Jeffrey Robbins
• Bush vs. Benedict By Daniel McCarthy
• The Vicar of Orthodoxy' by Andrew Sullivan (Time, April 24, 2005)
• Most Holy Family Monastery A sedevacantist website that accuses Benedict XVI of being a heretic and an antipope.
• Novus Ordo Watch A website whose archive documents many of what it calls bizarre and heretical statements and actions of Benedict XVI.
• Open letter from a Christian Palestinian to Pope Benedict

Pope Benedict XVI Papal succession Born: April 16 1927
Religious titles
Preceded by Julius Cardinal Döpfner	Archbishop of Munich and Freising 1977–1982	Succeeded by Friedrich Cardinal Wetter
Preceded by Franjo Cardinal Šeper	Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith 1981–2005	Succeeded by William Joseph Cardinal Levada
Preceded by Bernardin Cardinal Gantin	Dean of the College of Cardinals 2002–2005	Succeeded by Angelo Cardinal Sodano
Preceded by John Paul II	Pope 2005 – present	Incumbent

v • d • e Pope Benedict XVI

Biography · Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith · 2005 Conclave · Theology · Works · Coat of Arms · Travels · Islam Daniel McCarthy was an Irish politician. ... Andrew Michael Sullivan (born August 10, 1963) is a libertarian conservative author and political commentator, distinguished by his often personal style of political analysis, and last, and often contended, in technology terms, yet to be determined, the number one solo pioneer in the field of pseudo-conversational political blog journalism. ... “TIME” redirects here. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Sedevacantism is the belief that since the time of Pope John XXIII, who called the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, the office of pope of the Roman Catholic Church is not legitimately held by the persons widely acknowledged as pope, sitting in the Vatican. ... Look up Heresy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the book by Robert Rankin, see The Antipope. ... The episcopate is the status of a bishop. ... Josef Stangl (March 12, 1907 - April 8, 1979) was a Roman Catholic Bishop of Würzburg, Germany. ... May 28 is the 148th day of the year (149th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... His Most Reverend Eminence Alberto Cardinal Bovone J.C.D. (11 June 1922 - 17 April 1998) was an Italian Cardinal who was Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith during his working life. ... is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Josef Clemens (born June 20, 1947 in Siegen) is a German bishop and Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bruno Forte (born August 1, 1949) is an Italian theologian and ecclesiastic, currently Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto. ... is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... His Eminence Julius August Döpfner (born August 26, 1913 in Hausen near Würzburg, died July 24, 1976 in Munich) was a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and Arch Bishop of Munich from 1961 until 1976. ... The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising — known in the German language as Erzbistum München und Freising and in Latin as Archidioecesis Monacensis et Frisingensis — is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Bavaria, Germany. ... Friedrich Cardinal Wetter (born February 20, 1928) is a German cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, the archbishop of Munich, Germany. ... His Eminence Franjo Å eper (born October 2, 1905 in Osijek (Austria-Hungary, now Croatia), died December 30, 1981 in Rome) was a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, and prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1968 to his death. ... The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) (Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei) is the oldest of the nine congregations of the Roman Curia. ... William Joseph Levada is the appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. ... His Eminence Bernardin Cardinal Gantin (born May 8, 1922 in Toffo, Benin) is the highest-ranking black African in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, though three early Popes came from the Mediterranean shores of the African landmass. ... The Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals is the president of the College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, and as such always holds the rank of Cardinal Bishop. ... Cardinal Sodano with Condoleezza Rice. ... Official papal image of John Paul II. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, né Karol Józef Wojtyła (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. ... Image File history File links Emblem_of_the_Papacy. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Pope (from Latin... This article covers the early life of Pope Benedict XVI, from his birth in 1927 to his finishing his education and becoming ordained in 1951. ... Pope John Paul II with Cardinal Ratzinger in 1978. ... The Papal conclave of 2005 was convened due to the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005. ... His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI is based on staunch Catholicism and ancient Tradition. ... These are the works written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, elected Pope Benedict XVI: As Joseph Kardinal Ratzinger (original titles) Dialektik der Säkularisierung (En: The Dialectics of Secularization), Freiburg im Breisgau 2005, ISBN 3-451-28869-9 Werte in Zeiten des Umbruchs (En: Values in a Time of Upheaval), Freiburg... Initial rendering of the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI was designed by then Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (who later was created a Cardinal) soon after the papal election. ... Pope Benedict has not been as active in visiting other countires as his predecessor, John Paul II was, but has nonetheless made several trips a year to foreign countries. ... Main article: Pope Benedict XVI The Pope strongly condemned the Mohammed cartoons, first published by a Danish newspaper and later in other European papers, saying In the international context we are living at present, the Catholic Church continues convinced that, to foster peace and understanding between peoples and men, it... Dominus Iesus · Deus Caritas Est · Sacramentum Caritatis Dominus Iesus (Latin for Lord Jesus) is a document by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregations then secretary, Tarcisio Bertone. ... For other uses, see Deus Caritas Est (disambiguation). ... Sacramentum Caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity) is the first post-synodal (i e, after the synod held in Rome, October 2-23, 2005) apostolic exhortation by Pope Benedict XVI. It was signed February 22, 2007. ...