Benedict's Writings

Introductory essays on the important works of Joseph Ratzinger

This selection is constantly expanding.

The Key to Understanding

Joseph Ratzinger first became an international best-selling author with his Introduction to Christianity (1968), a book that is as inspiring today as it was back then. But even more so, this book is of lasting importance as an introduction to the thought of Ratzinger.

by Davide De Caprio

Read the article

Cover - Einführung in das Christentum von Joseph Ratzinger

The Sound of Truth

Ratzinger’s writings on church music offer criteria for its renewal. They underline the central importance of the liturgy and open global perspectives. They are collected in the volume A New Song for the Lord (1996).

by Fr. Uwe Michael Lang

Read the article

Buchcover Von Joseph Ratzinger, Benedikt XVI. "Ein neues Lied für den Herrn" - Christusglaube und Liturgie in der Gegenwart

Why Reason needs Faith

In “The God of Faith and the God of the Philosophers”, Joseph Ratzinger addresses the fatal flaw in modern thought. He warns that reason, on its own, runs the risk of diminishing itself, and shows that Christianity is better equipped to substantiate the claims of reason than materialism is.

by Professor Rolf Schönberger

Read the article

United in Christ

What makes a nation into a community of brothers and sisters, and the nations into a community of humankind? Nearly 70 years ago, Joseph Ratzinger addressed these issues in two lectures. The answers he gave are no less groundbreaking today.

by Dr. Christian Schaller

Read the article

Buchcover: Joseph Ratzinger Gesammelte Schriften Kirche-Zeichen unter den Völkern

This feature will appear shortly.

Papst Benedikt XVI beim lesen einer Zeitung an seinem Schreibtisch

This feature will appear shortly.