Contemporary art often is far away from Christianity. Rather than blaming the artists, Benedict called Christians to acknowledge that genuine art may always offer a spiritual experience.
Catholic Church
Benedict XVI and the Arts. 2. The Cathedral and the City Hall
According to the German Pope, churches and civic buildings of old expressed both the ideal of magnificence and a hope for social harmony.
Benedict XVI and the Arts. 1. The 2009 Meeting with the Artists
Benedict XVI’s meditations on the arts were unashamedly theological and Catholic. Yet, they make a challenging reading for everybody.
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 4. Seeking a Theoretical Foundation for Freedom of Religion
The German Pope’s argument for a theological and philosophical foundation of freedom of religion did not persuade everybody, but remains a crucial reference.
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 3. The French vs. the American Model of Freedom of Religion
The German Pope recognized that there were two different notions of freedom of religion, and only the “American” one was compatible with Catholicism.
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 2. “Reform in the Continuity”
The German Pope never claimed that between the old and the new Catholic teachings on religious liberty there was perfect continuity. But he said the reform was not a “rupture.”
Benedict XVI’s “Non-Negotiable Principles” for a Dialogue with China
Did Pope Francis radically change his predecessor’s position on how to deal with the Chinese Communist Party?
Benedict XVI and Religious Liberty. 1. Ratzinger and Lefebvre
It was in dealing with Archbishop Lefebvre’s refusal of the Second Vatican Council that Cardinal Ratzinger started reflecting in depth on the foundation of religious liberty.
California and Confession. 2. A Landmark Case, Reutkemeier v. Nolte
In 1917, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a confession can be rendered to a committee of four and still be protected by the confessional privilege.
Vatican: China Breached the Agreement—But We Will Continue with It
The Pope’s silence on the case of Cardinal Zen did not persuade Beijing to accept the Vatican’s request not to proceed with a ceremony that violated the 2018 deal.