First as Joseph Ratzinger, then as Benedict XVI, he was undoubtedly one of the most important theologians of his time. He addressed numerous topics: from democracy, to respect for the environment and care for the elderly. The focus of his message, though, was always Jesus of Nazareth. Here are the top 10 quotes from his papacy.
Cologne, Germany
August 18, 2005
“Dear young people: the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have the right to enjoy has a name and a face: it’s Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only He gives the fullness of life to humanity.”
November 9, 2012
Visit to Elderly Center
“Life is also beautiful at our age, despite any pain or limitation.”
June 19, 2009
Encounter with thousands of priests
“Our mission is indispensable for the Church and the world. It demands complete fidelity to Christ, and to always be united with Him.”
Benedict XVI
June 11, 2010
On sexual abuse
“We promise that we will do everything possible so that such abuse is not committed ever again.”
Benedict XVI addressed the social issues of his time. He denounced wars and called for an end to unequal distribution of wealth. He was the first pope to answer questions on a TV program. There, a little girl told him many of her friends had died or disappeared following the Fukushima earthquake, and asked why God allows children to suffer.
Benedict XVI
April 22, 2011
“We don't have the answers but we know that Jesus suffered just like you, because He too was innocent. The true God who comes to life in Jesus is with us. Even in sadness, when we don't have all the answers, God is on our side and that will help us.”
Benedict XVI
November 16, 2009
“Hunger is the most cruel and concrete sign of poverty. Opulence and waste are no longer acceptable when the tragedy of hunger is assuming even greater proportions.”
Encounter with Italian youth
September 2, 2007
“We need to take brave decisions which emphasize the alliance between men and the Earth. We need a definitive “yes” for protection of Creation to change the tendencies which can make irreversible the environmental damage.”
Two discourses that will go down in history are those to the UK and Berlin parliaments, about democracy, consensus and truth.
Benedict XVI
September 17, 2010
Westminster Hall
“If the moral principles underpinning the democratic process are themselves determined by nothing more solid than social consensus, then the fragility of the process becomes all too evident - herein lies the real challenge for democracy.”
Benedict XVI
September 22, 2011
Federal Parliament of Berlin
“For most of the matters that need to be regulated by law, the support of the majority can be sufficient criterion. Yet it's evident that for the fundamental issues of law, in which the dignity of man and of humanity is at stake, the majority principle is not enough.”
In addition to his hundreds of addresses, Benedict published three encyclicals and three books during his papacy. His intellectual legacy will live on in future generations.
JMB/CW
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