In the herewith master's thesis entitled The Ecumenical Endeavours of Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013) the author introduces and then dutifully evaluates all the initiatives, efforts and work done by the Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, as far as ecumenism is concerned. The Holy Father should receive a full credit and a recognition merit for his contributions to the movement toward worldwide Christian unity that is based on the principle of dialogue, toward bringing Christians of different Churches and denominations closer together. The thesis seeks to give us an outline of Pope's variegated ecumenical activities, since he succeeded in gradually building up and complementing the immense ecumenical task during the time of his pontificate. When presenting and concisely summarizing scientific discussions, articles, homilies, and speeches the author mainly uses the descriptive and explicative method.
The thesis is divided into four chapters. The 1st chapter introduces Ratzinger's early interest in ecumenism and the work he carried out as a professor of theology and later as Prefect at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The next three chapters are devoted to the ecumenical journey which became his priority during his pontificate (2005–2013).
The 2nd chapter discusses Pope's relations with the Eastern Christianity – the Eastern Orthodox and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. He dedicated special affection and closeness to these »sister Churches«, which set a high value on tradition and ancient legacy.
The 3rd chapter focuses on the presentation of Pope's relations with the Western Christianity – the Evangelical-Lutheran Ecclesial Communities, the Anglican Community and other Western Ecclesial Communities and Free Churches, which the German Pope had the opportunity to meet and get to know closely.
While the relations among various Churches and Ecclesial Communities (bilateral ecumenism) is dealt with in the 2nd and in the 3rd chapter, all the other ecumenical meetings of general nature (multilateral ecumenism) are discussed in the 4th chapter.
|