(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.24.2024).- The intellectual and spiritual legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is set to expand with the release of more than 100 previously unpublished homilies, the Joseph Ratzinger Foundation announced. Scheduled for publication in the spring of 2025, these homilies will offer an intimate glimpse into the theological reflections of a pope renowned for his depth and clarity of thought.
Homilies Born from Quiet Devotion
Unlike the many public addresses Benedict XVI delivered during his papacy, these homilies were shared in the quiet setting of his private chapel. They were prepared weekly, even without public commitments, and spoken to a small congregation of close companions, including his secretary, members of the Memores Domini, and invited guests.
“These homilies reveal the routine of a pastor deeply committed to his vocation,” said Father Federico Lombardi, president of the Joseph Ratzinger Foundation. “Even in the simplicity of his private liturgical celebrations, Benedict XVI approached each homily with the same meticulous care and profound spirituality that marked his public ministry.”
Organized Around the Liturgical Year
The forthcoming collection will be structured according to the liturgical calendar, offering reflections for Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Ordinary Time. While not exhaustive, the selection provides a spiritual guide through the rhythms of the Church year, revealing Benedict’s theological insight and his ability to draw connections between Scripture and everyday faith.
“This is not a complete commentary on the Sunday lectionary,” Lombardi explained, “but it is a vivid testimony to his spiritual and theological depth.”
A Carefully Curated Legacy
The project has been years in the making. After Benedict XVI’s passing on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95, his personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, entrusted the documents to the Foundation. Great care has been taken to ensure the collection respects Benedict’s original intentions and style, even though he was unable to review the publication himself.
“We have approached this work with tremendous care and love,” Lombardi emphasized. “The aim was not only to preserve his words but to honor the heart of his message.”
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Benedict XVI was widely regarded as one of the most influential theological minds of the modern Church. From his seminal “Introduction to Christianity” to his acclaimed “Jesus of Nazareth” trilogy, his writings have shaped the faith journey of millions. This new collection of homilies promises to add another layer to his enduring influence, providing believers with fresh insights into his deeply Christ-centered theology.
An Invitation to Reflect and Grow
As the Church anticipates the release of these reflections, they serve as an invitation to believers worldwide to engage anew with the teachings of a pope who combined intellectual rigor with profound pastoral care.
“This volume is not just a collection of words; it is an invitation to encounter Christ through the lens of Benedict’s extraordinary faith and wisdom,” said Lombardi.
In the serene words of Benedict XVI himself, these homilies remind the faithful of the “light that comes from the Word of God,” guiding the Church through every season of life.
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