“Beyond biased narratives, Ratzinger understood the role of the laity. He was confident of their position both inside and outside the Church, fully committed to decent work and integral ecology.”
Newsroom (07/02/2023 11:11 AM, Gaudium Press) — On a note published nearly one month after Pope Benedict’s departure to eternity, Spain’s Permanent Commission of the Forum of the Laity payed homage to the Pontiff’s legacy:
“On the first month of the loving encounter of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with God, one and triune, the Permanent Commission of the Spanish Forum of the Laity wants to show its double feeling of sorrow and joy publicly.
Sorrow, since every physical disappearance implies sadness and separation. Joy, because Pope Benedict is already in the presence of his Lord, to whom he dedicated his last words as an act of profound love.
Joseph Ratzinger was a baptized faithful. A believer in Jesus Christ, a ‘friend of the bridegroom.’ A simple Christian whose life was marked by a personal encounter with the Lord. Faith was, indeed, the root and the strength of his whole existence.
Pope Benedict had the humility of the wise and the wisdom of someone who, in Christ, found all answers. He continued the fertile dialogue between faith and reason while writing many valuable and courageous pages on the affinity between ethics, economics and politics.
Beyond biased narratives, Ratzinger understood the role of the laity. He was confident of their position both inside and outside the Church, fully committed to decent work and integral ecology.
With vigour and courage, Benedict XVI did not hesitate to confront the most serious problems inside and outside the Church. And when he considered it was fitting, and in accordance with his conscience, he took a historic step aside.
He loved Spain. And in turn, across numerous Papal visits, Spain knew how to return his love with the enthusiasm that characterizes our way of being.
Today, as we look back, we thank Divine Providence for the immense gift of his Pontificate. And in trust and hope we face the future knowing that he intercedes for the Holy Church.”
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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