The Contribution of Pope Benedict XVI to Catholic Social Thought and More: A Monthly Reading Group
Posted: January 26, 2023
The passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has been commemorated throughout the Catholic world. The Office of Mission Integration would like to dedicate time to exploring the legacy of Benedict XVI in the Church. His legacy has been complex. His remarkable decision to resign the Pontificate, the first such move in almost 600 years, paved the way for the election of Pope Francis. Benedict was lauded by the conservative wing of the Church and often critiqued by those in the progressive wing. And yet, his contributions to Catholic Social Teaching developed groundbreaking insights on how to structure a just economy. He was the pope who placed solar panels in the Vatican and wrote the most about ecological responsibilities prior to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Benedict XVI was an accomplished theologian and a person dedicated to prayer.
The Catholic character of our university calls us to examine all aspects of Catholicity, including or especially elements where tensions and perplexities appear. This reading group will meet once a month to explore Pope Benedict XVI’s writings, deeds and legacy. Our initial conversations will be co-convened by Professor Jessica Ludescher Imanaka and VP of Mission Integration Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos. The initial gathering will discuss Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, “God is Love,” on Monday, Feb. 13, noon–1:15 p.m. Lunch will be served.
Please RSVP to Eddie Salazar by Feb. 1: salazare@seattleu.edu.