RESIGNATION
For generations to come, Benedict XVI will be remembered as the pope who left the papacy.
The day was February 28, 2013. It was shocking and unexpected... and a day that will forever be ingrained in Church history as the day the pope resigned.
The moment was so surprising, it overshadows other key points of his pontificate. From the good, bad to the moving.
FAITH AND REASON
As an academic, Benedict XVI was known for his vast knowledge of Theology and his search for both faith and reason. It was a hallmark of his seven year pontificate and a theme he would often address during his weekly catecheses.
BOOKS
In addition to writing three encyclicals, Benedict XVI also wrote many books during his pontificate. The most notable was a three-part series titled Jesus of Nazareth. Based on research, it focused on Jesus as a historical figure.
PAOLO MIELI
Razzoli Editorial
POPE’S BOOK ON THE INFANCY OF JESUS (Nov 20, 2012)
“It’s not just a book about Jesus written by a great pastor. It’s a book written by Joseph Ratzinger. A book that will go down in the history of European culture.”
SEX ABUSE CRACKDOWN
Benedict XVI also dealt with the sex abuse crisis head on. He defrocked hundreds of priests. During his pontificate, representatives of 100 bishops' conferences met in Rome to launch a global program titled 'Renewal and Healing,' designed to address the protocols that should be followed when investigating clerical abuse.
VATILEAKS
The Vatican and Benedict XVI also made headlines when classified Holy See documents were leaked to the press. In March 2012, the pope created a commission to investigate the leak and its trail. Shortly thereafter, the pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele was jailed and tried in a Vatican courtroom for leaking the classified information.
RATZINGER PRIZE
Titled the Nobel Prize of Theology, the so called Ratzinger Prize is awarded to religious scholars who left an imprint in their field of study. The Prize was launched in honor of Benedict XVI and his extensive theological knowledge.
MSGR. GIUSEPPE SCOTTI
President, Joseph Ratzinger Foundation
June 17, 2014
“We award excellence, we award a lifetime of research and commitment to Theology. In other words, we award men and women who believe that speaking about God, that giving God to the world, is the greatest treasure we have.”
TWITTER
Benedict XVI will also go down in history as the first pope to open a twitter account. On December 12, 2012 @pontifex was launched for the world to follow. With the click of a button, the Vatican walked into the digital era. A pope known for his traditional style, opened a window into a modern communication tool.
KLH
