Pope Francis & Benedict XVI: A Deep Dive Into Their Relationship
How can two men, seemingly worlds apart in their theological approaches and personalities, share a profound bond that shaped the modern Catholic Church? The lives of Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, an Argentinian Jesuit and a German theologian, respectively, offer a captivating glimpse into this unique dynamic, their relationship a testament to respect and affection that transcended their differences.
The world watched with bated breath in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI, in a move unseen in centuries, announced his resignation. This decision, the first such event in nearly 600 years, sent shockwaves through the Vatican and the global Catholic community, raising questions about the future of the papacy and the direction of the Church. As Benedict XVIs health declined, speculation mounted as to whether his successor, Pope Francis, would also choose to step down. The two men, a living and a "shadow" pope, fostered a close relationship despite their differences.
| Feature | Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) | Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio | Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina | April 16, 1927, Marktl, Bavaria, Germany |
| Died | Living | December 31, 2022, Vatican City |
| Pre-Papal Career |
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| Papal Title | Pope Francis | Pope Benedict XVI (Pope Emeritus after resignation) |
| Papacy Start | March 13, 2013 | April 19, 2005 |
| Papacy End | Incumbent | February 28, 2013 (Resignation) |
| Key Ideologies and Approaches | Emphasis on mercy, social justice, and inclusivity; focus on the poor and marginalized; more pastoral and less doctrinal approach. | Emphasis on doctrinal orthodoxy and tradition; staunch defender of Catholic teachings; strong focus on intellectual rigor and theological precision. |
| Key Actions and Initiatives |
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| Interesting Fact | First Pope from the Americas. | First Pope to resign in nearly 600 years. |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website - Pope Francis | Vatican Website - Pope Benedict XVI |
The two Popes, Francis and Benedict, represent two rare living pontiffs, a situation that added another layer of complexity to the already intricate workings of the Vatican. Their markedly different ideologies created a subtle but noticeable divide within the Roman Catholic Church. Much of the media coverage, including Monday's assessment of Pope Francis' legacy (April 21), has focused on how his approaches differed from those of his predecessors, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Its only natural to compare one pope to another, especially when considering the weighty responsibilities and the profound impact they have on the lives of millions. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, the 265th successor of Peter, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was known as Pope Francis, a title that immediately separated him from the former Pope. He let me grow, Pope Francis explained, reflecting on the relationship. He was patient. And if he didn't agree with something, he would think three or four times before telling me.
The July 2013 photograph in the Vatican Gardens showcasing Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with Pope Francis became a powerful visual of this evolving relationship. After his resignation, Benedict XVI retained his papal name, rather than reverting to his birth name, and continued to wear the white cassock, though without the pellegrina (a cape-like garment) or the fascia (a sash around the waist). He ceased wearing red papal shoes, signaling a shift in the formal expectations of the role.
Pope Francis then shared details about his first phone conversation with Benedict after his election and revealed fascinating insights into his first meeting with Benedict at Castel Gandolfo on March 23rd, 2013, adding another layer of understanding to the bond between the two men. This morning, Pope Francis presided over the funeral mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. His homily offered a poignant reflection, beginning with the words: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46).
On March 13, 2013, Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who had made history by retiring, a moment that has been called a pivotal shift in modern Catholic history. Francis became the 266th occupant of the papacy. The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent election of Pope Francis highlighted a pivotal moment in modern Catholic history. The transition involved complex procedures unique to the Vatican.
The world was taken aback on February 11, 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation. The relationship of the two Popes was a significant element, particularly in the context of a time when the Church was struggling with various difficulties. The June 28, 2017 photo, taken at the Vatican, featured Pope Francis embracing Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, symbolizing the bond between them.
Adding to this complicated situation, there have been allegations of a conspiracy to force Benedict out and elect Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis). The conspiracy was first brought to light by Dr. Austen Ivereigh in his book "The Great Reformer."
On the eve of the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVIs death, his biographer, Peter Seewald, brought forward serious concerns about how Pope Francis is managing the legacy of his predecessor. Pope Francis raised eyebrows in 2013 and again in 2015 when he recommended Robert Hugh Bensons Lord of the World to the faithful as a book that depicts a future where the papacy and Catholicism are under threat. If Francis is the living, reigning pope, Benedict is his shadow, the undead pope emeritus. In 2013, Benedict unexpectedly resigned his papacy. He was the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years.
Benedict had withdrawn in his monastery, and so there was only one pope, Francis. After Benedicts death, the dynamic in the Vatican clearly shifted. Pope Francis election was unique because the pope that preceded him resigned, which is unusual. Pope Benedict XVI was pope for eight years, from 2005 through 2013. The event marked the first occasion. On 12 and 13 March 2013, a papal conclave was held to elect a new pope to succeed Benedict XVI, who had resigned on 28 February 2013. Of the 117 eligible cardinal electors, all but two attended. The book promises to offer a dual portrait of Joseph Ratzinger: from his days as cardinal to his tenure as pope benedict XVI. Benedict and I had a very profound relationship, Pope Francis said, sharing they had immense mutual respect and affection for each other.
