Würzburg (dpa / lby) – The Würzburg Bishop Franz Jung described the deceased Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. on Saturday as “one of the outstanding theologians of the twentieth century and a forerunner of the Second Vatican Council”. Joseph Ratzinger was an exceptional theological talent. “He excelled with a sharp mind and had a comprehensive theological education.”
However, he could not gain anything from a purely academic theology, decoupled from the living exercise of faith. According to Bishop Jung, in the tradition of the Church Fathers, especially Saint Augustine, he repeatedly called for theology to be linked back to Scripture and tradition.
Now the memory of a great theological personality remains, who shaped the face of the Catholic Church for decades and gave it many important theological and spiritual impulses.
A conclusive assessment of his pontificate cannot be made at this point in time, said Jung. “However, many of his insights have lasting significance, since they are not only of spiritual depth and draw from the richness of tradition, but are also presented with an elegance and beauty that is sorely missed in this day and age.”