Scandalous Pope, Transitional Pope, Nazi Pope and “cat lover” - this is how Pope Benedict XVI, who took the throne at the age of 78, was called. He became the second pontiff in history to renounce the papacy of his own free will. His biography and turbulent papacy are surrounded by a lot of scandals.
During the eight years of his pontificate, the Catholic Church experienced a series of pedophile revelations, found itself on the verge of conflict with the Muslim world and encountered a truly global sensation - the voluntary abdication of the Holy See. What is Pope Benedict XVI remembered for, whose years of reign coincided with a crisis of civilization and faith, the world community?
Youth
In the world, Joseph Alois Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, was born into the family of a German gendarme on April 16, 1927 in German Bavaria, in a town called Marktl am Inn. The youngest of three children, named after his father, at the age of two he and his family moved to the city of Auschau, in the picturesque Alps. His father, not a fanatic of National Socialism, chose a classical gymnasium in Traunstein for his son’s education. After graduation, Joseph enters the theological pre-seminary.
Nazi past
A controversial and contradictory fact in the biography of the future Pope is considered to be his entry into the youth paramilitary National Socialist organization “Hitler Youth”. Benedict XVI does not hide this fact and explains it with the advice of his mathematics teacher, who was a Nazi, but nevertheless a decent man. Attending meetings of this organization and membership in it gave a fourteen-year-old teenager grounds for a significant reduction in tuition fees.
Joseph Ratzinger did not hide, but was not proud of the fact that in 1943, as part of an auxiliary unit of anti-aircraft troops, he defended the BMW aircraft engine plant from attacks by opponents of Nazi Germany. In 1944, he installed anti-tank mines on the Austro-Hungarian border. But at the end of the war, his military biography ended - the young man deserted. After surviving about two months in American captivity, Joseph returned to Bavaria, where he graduated from theological seminary.
The future Pope's mature years
The future Pope received his higher education, specializing in theology and philosophy, at the Theological Institute at the University of Munich from 1946 to 1951. Immediately after this, the Archbishop of Freising and Munich, Cardinal Michael Faulbacher, ordained Joseph to the priesthood. At the same university he will defend his dissertation in theology. "People and Home in Augustine's Ecclesiology" will include the then simple priest in the list of the best theologians in Germany.
In 1959, Joseph began teaching at the University of Bonn, and ten years later he became a leading expert on theological dogmas at the University of Tübinham.
From a simple clergyman to the Pope
In 1977, Pope Paul VI appointed Joseph cardinal and archbishop of Munich and Freising. His pastorate in Germany continued until 1981, which he regretfully left and moved to Rome. Once in the Vatican, he holds the position of prefect of the ideological department of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith with a bishopric in small Velletri-Segni.
Having gone through several steps along the career ladder of a clergyman, since 2002, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a member of the College of Cardinals and the Ecclesia Dei commission, has become the chief theologian of the Vatican, voicing its official position.
New Pope
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became the 265th Pope of Rome at the age of 78 on April 19, 2005, after which he took the name Benedict XVI (“Blessed One”), honoring the memory of St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) and Pope Benedict XV (1854). -1922). His candidacy was supported by the College of Cardinals for the fourth time. He himself commented on his election very modestly, saying that he did not ask for this and hoped to retire modestly. He made his wish come true in 2013, voluntarily leaving the post of pontiff.
For the first time in a thousand years, a German from Bavaria, and not an Italian, became Pope. For the second time in the history of the pontificate, the papal throne was occupied by a person of such advanced age (the first was in 1730 by Pope Clement XII, the same age as Benedict XVI).
Conservative Cardinal
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was famous as a staunch conservative, a strong opponent of abortion and homosexual relations, divorce and genetic cloning. He was an active opponent of feminism, because he believed that it undermines family and marriage and destroys the God-given differences between women and men. His strong statements against euthanasia, stem cell research and the ordination of women have gained him both supporters and opponents.
Muslims and the Pontiff
While still studying at the University of Regensburg (2006), Benedict XVI almost became a target of terrorists. The vision of the situation regarding Emperor Manuel II almost led to tragedy. By quoting the Byzantine king on the subject of Muhammad's words to spread the faith with the sword, the pontiff caused a wave of indignation in Muslim circles.
Pakistan and India expressed criticism of the Pope, and al-Qaeda announced its desire for reprisals. The conflict was quelled when the Pope explained that the quote was intended to emphasize the unreasonableness of the holy war. The terrorist organization reneged on its promises, and the pontiff called on the world to abandon the reprisal against Saddam Hussein and not to invade Iranian territory.
Pedophilia scandal
While still a cardinal, Benedict XVI initiated changes to canonical church law: the statute of limitations for sexual crimes was abolished, the list of crimes against children and abuse of them was expanded, and the procedure for defrocking for such actions was simplified. But this did not save the church from pedophile scandals.
The largest of them broke out in 2010, when a special commission began an investigation into Irish priests accused of pedophilia. Benedict XVI sent a letter to Ireland, where he condemned their actions and expressed his idea that the criminals must answer to people, to the law, and to God. But victims of violence accused the latter of obstructing the investigation of the cases and filed a lawsuit at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
In 2012, Gianluigi Nuzzi’s book “His Holiness” was published, based on the correspondence of the Pope’s secretary Paolo Gabriele. The book describes the behind-the-scenes struggles and intrigues in the Catholic Church. As a result of this exposure, Claudio Sciarpeletti (programmer of the Vatican Secretariat of State) and Paolo Gabriele were held accountable to the law, although the Pontiff publicly pardoned them.
Dad is a writer
The author of many theosophical works is Benedict XVI (gesammelte schriften, his impressive collection of works). He was a highly educated man, fluent in ten languages. He also wrote a fiction novel, namely the book “Joseph and Chico,” where the story about the life stages of the future pontiff comes from the perspective of a neighbor’s cat.
The book “Introduction to Christianity” is still a worldwide bestseller and has been translated into dozens of languages around the world. Intransigence with liberalism in the bosom of the Church, the position of strict Catholic traditionalism, defending one’s convictions - these are the qualities of the person that Benedict XVI is. “The enemies are not outside,” Dad emphasizes. By the way, it was this phrase that became the reason to give the clergyman the nickname Panzerkardinal, which means “cardinal-battleship.” He received another nickname, already as pontiff, for defending the orthodox views of the church - “Rottweiler of God.”
Nothing human is alien
Benedict XVI - loyal supporter and fan football club"Bavaria". He continues to support the club team and the German national football team and could even become an honorary member of Bayern if he accepted the offer from the club president. He actively promoted the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, but his team did not win, unfortunately for the Pope.
The Pontiff plays the piano well. He prefers the works of Mozart and speaks unflatteringly of modern pop culture. In 2009, he even recorded an album of prayer songs accompanied by classical music. Since the time of his cardinalship, his love for cats, especially homeless ones, has also been preserved.
Worldwide upheaval - voluntary renunciation
Benedict XVI will be remembered by the church, the laity and the public for his unprecedented voluntary departure. At the consistory on February 11, 2013 for the canonization of the martyrs of Otranto, the Pope announced his voluntary resignation, his speech was broadcast by Vatican Radio. From that moment on, like a snowball, versions swarmed about true reasons this act. After all, he became the first Pope to resign in six hundred years, since Gregory VII in 1415.
The pontiff himself explained his unconventional decision by age and fatigue. As a representative of the world community, professor theologian A. I. Osipov, comments on the crisis of faith, Benedict XVI is too conservative, and such a position does not fit in with the liberalization of public consciousness.
What undermined the health of 86-year-old Benedict XVI, because while in office, he suffered one heart attack. Age or the scandals that befell his reign? The world will probably learn more from the book the Pope is writing in retirement.
After dad
Benedict XVI retains the name and title "Pope Emeritus". In retirement, he lives in a former monastery in the Vatican gardens, devoting all his time to his favorite reading and writing books. In 2016, this author’s fourth book, “Last Conversations,” was published, written in collaboration with German journalist Peter Seewald. This is the only memoir in which a former Pope talks about his pontificate.
Intelligence and logic, supported by the high efficiency and perseverance inherent in the German nation - this is what Benedict XVI will be remembered by his descendants. An avid Bible student, writer and excellent teacher, the Pope remains intellectually alert and physically vigorous even today, despite his advanced age.
Image caption The new pope must be elected by a conclave that will meet before the end of March this yearPope Benedict XVI announced that he will leave the throne on February 28 for health reasons.
The pontiff announced this in Latin during a meeting in the Vatican. This information was later confirmed to the press by a representative of the Holy See.
BBC Rome correspondent Alan Johnston reports that the news of the pope's impending abdication took the Vatican by surprise: as it turned out, even his closest aides did not know about it.
“Having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the conviction that my strength, due to my advanced age, is no longer sufficient to properly fulfill the ministry of St. Peter,” said Benedict XVI.
It is known from the history of the papacy that the last time the pontiff announced his voluntary abdication was almost 600 years ago: in 1415, Gregory XII did the same.
The newspaper La Stampa quotes the reaction of Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti: "I am shocked by this unexpected news."
Pope Benedict XVI
Reuters has found out that elections for the new head of the Roman Catholic Church will be held before the end of March this year.
Experts believe that several cardinals will lay claim to the vacated papal throne, but it is difficult to single out an obvious successor to Benedict XVI among them.
Meanwhile, bookmaker Paddy Power has started taking bets on who will become the new dad.
Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana is considered the favorite among bookmakers: bets on him are accepted with odds of 9 to 4.
Cardinal Joseph RatzingerHe led the Roman Catholic Church at the age of 78, becoming one of the oldest popes in history.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
Comments in the BBC Russian Service forums:
- It would be strange if he did not leave, after all the revealed sex crimes of Catholic clergy [...] The Catholic Church is sharply losing parishioners. His renunciation is the act of an honest man (Stas)
- The next Pope, in my opinion, is younger and more physically active. But in general, the Vatican’s policy will remain conservative, given the state of the Holy College (Yuri Baksalov)
- But when the Pope retires, who will he be? Not back as a cardinal. And by whom? An honorary Vatican pensioner? In general, what does the regulation say about this? (Another Lyudmila)
- Personally, I’m not interested in this at all, I’m Orthodox, I go away and happily... (Alexander AlrM)
According to Benedict XVI, he himself never felt the desire to become pope.
Benedict XVI was born in Germany in 1927; in his youth he was a member of the Nazi youth organization "Hitler Youth".
During World War II he served in an air defense unit in Munich.
Before his election as pope, Cardinal Ratzinger actively opposed Turkey's admission to the European Union.
For 24 years, Cardinal Ratzinger headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which in the Middle Ages was called the Holy Inquisition.
Consistently opposes abortion and the ordination of women, and considers homosexuality a sin.
In church circles, Benedict XVI enjoys a reputation as an intellectual and a "cautious realist."
He became the first German pope in 1000 years. There were at least three German popes in the 11th century.
Benedict XVI speaks ten languages and plays the piano. His favorite composer is Beethoven.
Late last year, Benedict XVI began using the microblogging site Twitter and has since sent out his messages there in eight languages.
Pope Benedict XVI's announcement of his upcoming abdication came as a surprise not only to millions of Catholics around the world, but also to the papal circle.
Popes who abdicated the throne
- Pope Silverius (536 - 537). He was forcibly deposed in March 537 and abdicated on November 11. After a trial initiated at the direction of Empress Theodora, the pope was accused of political treason. Died on December 2, 537 - either strangled or starved to death.
- Saint Celestine V (5 July - 13 December 1294). At the time of his election, the pope was 80 years old. He died a year and a half later in the fortress where his successor, Boniface VIII, imprisoned him.
- Gregory XII (1406 - 1415). After his abdication, Gregory XII retained the title of cardinal and retired to Ancona, where he died two years after the council.
"Of course, you now have many questions, but we need a few days to understand how and what to do next. This announcement is a big surprise for all of us," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.
“If the pope himself, after deep reflection, came to the conclusion that he no longer had the strength to serve, then I have the utmost respect for his decision. He remains one of the most significant religious thinkers of our time,” the German Chancellor said Angela Merkel.
"On behalf of all Americans, Michelle and I want to express our gratitude to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The Church plays important role in America and around the world. “I wish all the best to all those who will gather in the Vatican to elect his successor,” said US President Barack Obama.
“Pope Benedict worked tirelessly to improve relations between Britain and the Holy See,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron.
“The change of pontiff gives no reason to predict any deterioration in relations between our churches,” a representative of the Moscow Russian Patriarchate said in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper. Orthodox Church Archpriest Dmitry Sizonenko.
“It is unprecedented in our time that a pope is retiring due to physical infirmity, and that a successor will be elected and ascend to the throne during the lifetime of his predecessor,” said Esio Mauro, editor-in-chief of the Italian newspaper La Reppublica.
Text of the statement
Dear brothers,
I have called you to this consistory not only for the sake of three canonizations, but also to inform you of a decision of great importance for the life of the Church.
Having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I came to the conviction that my strength, due to my advanced age, was no longer sufficient to properly fulfill the ministry of St. Peter.
I am well aware that this service, due to its spiritual essence, must be fulfilled not only by deeds and words, but no less by suffering and prayer.
However, in today's world, subject to rapid change and agitated by issues of greatest importance to the life of faith, to steer the boat of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel requires energy of both body and spirit, and this energy has been so diminished in recent months that I am forced to admit my inability to properly perform the ministry entrusted to me.
Therefore, well aware of the seriousness of this act, I declare with complete freedom that I renounce the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on April 19, 2005, so that from February 28, 2013, from 20 o'clock, the See of Rome, See of St. Peter's, will be vacant, and those who have the corresponding powers will have to convene a conclave to elect a new Pope.
Dear brothers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love and work through which you have carried with me the burden of my ministry, and I ask forgiveness for all my shortcomings.
Let us now entrust the Holy Church to the care of her Supreme Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, and let us pray to his holy Mother, the Virgin Mary, that she may accompany with her maternal goodness the Fathers of the Cardinals in the election of a new Pope.
As for me, I will continue to serve with all my heart the Holy Mother Church with a life devoted to prayer.
Age of Benedict XVI
Image caption Benedict XVI led the Catholic Church in an era of technological and social changeBenedict XVI was elected pope in 2005, when he was 78 years old. He became one of the oldest cardinals in history to ascend to the Holy See.
When the previous Pope John Paul II died, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was already considering retiring from church affairs. According to him, he did not want to become a dad.
However, it was he who was then chosen by other Vatican cardinals. If anyone expected from his papacy a smooth and peaceful transition to a new era in the life of the Catholic Church, then these optimists were disappointed.
Benedict XVI took the helm of the world's largest Christian denomination as storm clouds gathered over the scandal surrounding the sexual exploitation of children by priests. But this was not the only challenge that the rapidly changing world posed to this ancient institution.
The flow of allegations, lawsuits and official reports of clergy sexual abuse was particularly intense in 2009-2010. Perhaps this theme became decisive for the papacy of Benedict XVI.
The most damning allegations were that local bishops - and sometimes the Vatican - took part in covering up many of these facts, allowing pedophile priests to get away with it.
Some church leaders tried to dismiss these statements as slander against the church. However, the pope said that one cannot shirk responsibility and pointed to “sins within the church.” They apologized to victims, made it clear that such facts should be made public immediately, and established a process for expedited defrocking of those found guilty of sexual misconduct.
Many recalled to the pontiff his childhood in Nazi Germany.
He was six years old when the Nazis came to power. In 1941, he joined the Hitler Youth and even served in an anti-aircraft battalion, but shortly before the defeat of the Nazis he became a deserter.
Ratzinger turned to Catholicism after the war. In 1960, he spoke at the Second Vatican Council on the need to modernize and reform the Catholic Church.
However, the wave of protests that swept across Europe in 1968 forced Ratzinger to abandon theological liberalism.
In 1981, John Paul II appointed Cardinal Ratzinger to lead the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - the former Holy Inquisition - allowing him to exert significant influence on church life.
Ratzinger continued the ideas of John Paul II. He spoke out against abortion, homosexuality, feminism and even rock music and the Harry Potter books. He viewed Catholicism as the only correct faith, considering all others inferior.
It was Ratzinger, as senior cardinal, who presided over the funeral of John Paul II. When white smoke above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican announced the election of a 78-year-old German as the new Pope Benedict XVI, many were not surprised.
But the shy, not always self-confident Ratzinger lacked the charm and charisma of his predecessor.
At the same time, they both shared the view that the church must resist rampant individualism and consumerism.
In 2006, during a lecture in Germany, the pope cited criticism of Islam dating back to the 14th century. This sparked mass protests in some Muslim countries. As a result, the pontiff had to apologize and say that these statements did not reflect his own views.
He also had to apologize for the behavior of Catholic pedophile priests in the United States and other countries.
Ratzinger saw the main goal of his life in the fight against the weakening of faith within the church itself and its marginalization in public life.
The reign of Benedict XVI can be called transitional: he tried to combine the religious principles inherited from past generations with the new demands that secular society made on the church. At the same time, he firmly believed that for long-term service to society, the Catholic faith must be maintained in its original purity. Even if this leads to a reduction in the flock.
Date of Birth: April 16, 1927 A country: Vatican Biography:Born on April 16, 1927 in the small Bavarian town of Markt am Inn on Holy Saturday. Son of a police officer who was critical of the Nazis.
In 1943 from the seminary he was drafted into the air defense corps, in 1944 into the army, but did not take part in hostilities.
In the spring of 1945, he deserted from the army and headed home. After the end of the war, he spent several weeks in a prisoner of war camp, and after his release he returned to the seminary.
On June 29, 1951 he was ordained to the priesthood. Between 1946 and 1951 studied theology and philosophy at the University of Munich, as well as at the Hochschule in Freising. In 1953 he became a doctor of theology.
He taught the doctrine of dogma and fundamental theology in Freising, Bonn, and Münster. Since 1969 - professor and vice-president of the University of Regensburg.
He took an active part in the work of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) as a theological adviser to Cardinal Joseph Fringus, having a reputation as one of the most progressive theologians, whose lectures were held in crowded halls.
In March 1977, Pope Paul VI appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freisin. On May 28, 1977 he was ordained bishop.
In June of the same year he became a cardinal, and in November 1981 - prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and president of the Biblical Commission, as well as head of the Pontifical International Theological Commission. After six years of work, he presented the head of the Vatican with a new catechism of the Catholic Church.
In November 1998, he was elected to the position of deputy dean of the College of Cardinals, and in November 2002, he became its dean.
The 265th Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Alois Ratzinger) was born on April 16, 1927 in the village of Marktl am Inn in Bavaria (Germany).
He studied at the Munich Seminary, in 1943 he was drafted into the air defense corps, and in 1944 into the army. Did not take part in hostilities.
In 1946-1951 he studied philosophy and theology at High school philosophy and theology at Freising and at the University of Munich.
On June 29, 1951, Joseph Ratzinger received priesthood. The ordination was performed in Freising Cathedral by Cardinal Michael Faulhaber, Archbishop of Munich and Freising.
On November 25, 1981, Ratzinger became Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Chairman of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission.
In 1993, the cardinal took the title of bishop of the Roman suburb of Velletri Segni.
In 1998 he was elected vice dean of the College of Cardinals, and in 2002 - dean of the College of Cardinals.
Member of the Ecclesia Dei commission, whose task is to formulate decisions Catholic Church on the most pressing issues of our time.
11 February 2013 Benedict XVI during the consistory for the canonization of the martyrs of Otranto. The pontiff justified the decision by the difficulty of fulfilling his mission due to his advanced age.
On February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI moved from the Vatican to the papal residence of Castelgandolfo near Rome.
Benedict XVI is the oldest at the time of his election as Pope since Clement XII (elected in 1730).
Benedict XVI speaks fluent German, Italian, Latin, English and Spanish. Knows ancient Greek and Hebrew.
During his pontificate, Benedict XVI wrote three encyclicals: Deus caritas est (God is Love, 2005), Spe salvi (Saved by Hope, 2007) and Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth, 2009).
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Alois Ratzinger), was born on April 16, 1927 in the village of Marktl am Inn in Bavaria (Germany) in the family of a policeman. When he was two years old, his family moved to the Austrian border, and in 1932 to the Alpine town of Auschau.
In 1937, Joseph Ratzinger went to study at the classical gymnasium in Traunstein. In 1939 he became a student at the pre-seminary. This was the beginning of his church career. In 1943, from the seminary, he was drafted into the air defense corps. In 1944, having reached conscription age, he was drafted into the army into the Austrian Legion. Did not take part in hostilities. In the spring of 1945 he deserted from the army and headed home to Traunstein. When American troops were stationed in his home village, their headquarters were located in the Ratzinger house. Josef was arrested and placed in a prisoner of war camp. But already in June Ratzinger returned home, and in November he re-entered the seminary.
In 1947, Ratzinger entered the Georgianum, the Theological Institute at the University of Munich. On June 29, 1951, on the Feast of Peter and Paul, Joseph Ratzinger and his brother Georg were ordained priests by Cardinal Faulhaber in Freising.
In 1953, Ratzinger defended his dissertation in theology at the University of Munich. The topic of his work is “The People and the House of God in Augustine’s Ecclesiology.” He devoted his doctoral dissertation to the theology of history from St. Bonaventure.
In 1959-1977 he taught fundamental theology at German universities.
In 1962-1965, as a theological adviser to Cardinal Joseph Fringus, he participated in the work of the Second Vatican Council. In 1972, Joseph Ratzinger, together with Hans Urs von Balthasar, Henri de Lubac and others, founded the international Catholic magazine Communio ("Communion"), dedicated to issues of theology and culture.
On 24 March 1977, Ratzinger was installed as Archbishop of Munich and Freising.
On June 27, 1977, Pope Paul VI elevated Joseph Ratzinger to the rank of cardinal. In 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed Cardinal Ratzinger to head the special Council for the Laity and then offered him the post of head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
On November 25, 1981, Ratzinger became Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. At the same time, he left his pastoral duties in Germany and moved to the Vatican. Here he became a regular participant in episcopal synods.
In 1993, he took the title of bishop of the Roman suburb of Velletri-Segni.
In 2002, Ratzinger was elected dean of the College of Cardinals, a member of the Ecclesia Dei commission created on the basis of the Motu proprio of the same name by Pope John Paul II.
According to tradition that has existed since mid-16th century century, the one elected to the papal throne takes a new name for himself, thus wanting to honor one of his predecessors who bore the same name. The 265th pontiff took the name Benedict, becoming the 16th pope with that name. "Benedict" means "blessed" in Latin.
On May 7, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI, who also bears the title of Bishop of Rome, officially assumed the chair of the head of the capital's diocese.
February 11, 2013 Pope Benedict XVI during the consistory for the canonization of the martyrs of Otranto, his post on February 28. The pontiff justified the decision to abdicate by the burden of fulfilling his mission due to his advanced age.
Benedict XVI became the oldest Pope at the time of election since Pope Clement XII (elected in 1730). Also, Benedict XVI is the first Pope since Pope Paul IV (16th century), who was elected while dean of the College of Cardinals.
Benedict XVI speaks fluent German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish. Knows Latin, Hebrew, Ancient Greek, Polish.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources