I should mention, as I get going on this little endeavor, that in general I refer to Pope Benedict as 'Ratzinger'. This implies no disrespect in any way, shape or form. There is no one I have more respect for than him, and my reverence for the office of the papacy is what any Catholic should have.
However, the works I will be quoting of his date from when he was Fr. Ratzinger, continue through his time as Archbishop Ratzinger, Cardinal Ratzinger, and go up to and include his most recent works as Pope Benedict XVI. All his writings show a remarkable consistency of thought and expression, and I don't want to suggest a sort of retroactive papal authority to all of his life's work. I call him Ratzinger on this blog.
Fr Denis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog! I am currently preparing a talk on conscience so your entries on it in recent days are more than useful.
On another point, I too call the Holy Father "Ratzinger" for the same reasons as you, plus I think the names carries with it a gravitas that resounds through these years since the Council.
Fr John Flynn
Thank you for your kind words. I hope the talk goes well - I am seeing more and more clearly that this is an utterly crucial topic we need to understand way better than we do.
DeleteYes, I think we will be seeing the theological legacy of Joseph Ratzinger being extended for some time to come - he really has the goods, and knows how to express them clearly.
God bless you!
Fr Denis, I have finished the talk and am to deliver it tomorrow evening to the Liverpool Newman Association! Thanks for your great blog and do say a prayer for it.
ReplyDelete(err, for the talk!)
ReplyDelete