Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: What is the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI?
Jan 22, 2023
Massimo Faggioli, a Professor of Theology at Villanova University, joins writer Mathew Walther to discuss the complex legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. They delve into Benedict's groundbreaking resignation in 2013 and its reverberations in the Catholic Church, exploring how his conservative views shaped modern religious leadership. The conversation also addresses his controversial handling of abuse scandals and the lasting impact of his papacy on 1.3 billion Catholics, highlighting ongoing debates about tradition versus modernity.
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Benedict's Two Legacies
- Pope Benedict XVI left a complex legacy, including his revolutionary resignation in 2013.
- He significantly shaped Catholic intellectual life and reputation for over 60 years.
Abdication and Reopening Debates
- Benedict's abdication set a precedent for future popes considering resignation.
- He reopened debates on the Second Vatican Council and traditional practices.
Benedict's Early Life and Trajectory
- Born before Hitler's rise, Benedict's early life shaped his view of the Church as central to Western civilization.
- His trajectory shifted from modernizer at Vatican II to opposing secularism.