๐๐ป https://x.com/CatholicArena/status/2045907076912652489
๐๐ป https://nitter.net/CatholicArena/status/2045907076912652489
(Copypasta follows)
Joseph Ratzinger was elected as pope on 19th April 2005
A day before his election, he delivered one of his most famous and prophetic speeches
Coining the phrase 'Dictatorship of Relativism', he predicted how the West would see relativists imposing their will on those who had traditional beliefs
It is a compelling and very powerful read, especially in light of recent events in the West:
'How many winds of doctrine have we known in recent decades, how many ideological currents, how many ways of thinking. The small boat of the thought of many Christians has often been tossed about by these waves - flung from one extreme to another: from Marxism to liberalism, even to libertinism; from collectivism to radical individualism; from atheism to a vague religious mysticism; from agnosticism to syncretism and so forth. Every day new sects spring up, and what St Paul says about human deception and the trickery that strives to entice people into error (cf. Eph 4: 14) comes true.
Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be "tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine", seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires.
We, however, have a different goal: the Son of God, the true man. He is the measure of true humanism. An "adult" faith is not a faith that follows the trends of fashion and the latest novelty; a mature adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ. It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us a criterion by which to distinguish the true from the false, and deceit from truth.
We must develop this adult faith; we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith. And it is this faith - only faith - that creates unity and is fulfilled in love.
On this theme, St Paul offers us as a fundamental formula for Christian existence some beautiful words, in contrast to the continual vicissitudes of those who, like children, are tossed about by the waves: make truth in love. Truth and love coincide in Christ. To the extent that we draw close to Christ, in our own lives too, truth and love are blended. Love without truth would be blind; truth without love would be like "a clanging cymbal" (I Cor 13: 1).
Let us now look at the Gospel, from whose riches I would like to draw only two small observations. The Lord addresses these wonderful words to us: "I no longer speak of you as slaves.... Instead, I call you friends" (Jn 15: 15). We so often feel, and it is true, that we are only useless servants (cf. Lk 17: 10).
Yet, in spite of this, the Lord calls us friends, he makes us his friends, he gives us his friendship. The Lord gives friendship a dual definition. There are no secrets between friends: Christ tells us all that he hears from the Father; he gives us his full trust and with trust, also knowledge. He reveals his face and his heart to us. He shows us the tenderness he feels for us, his passionate love that goes even as far as the folly of the Cross. He entrusts himself to us, he gives us the power to speak in his name: "this is my body...", "I forgive you...". He entrusts his Body, the Church, to us'
It has always bothered me that he was forced out before his death.
I was told that Ratzinger was a Nazi.
I am told the MSM really distorted many things coming from that era when the history still was written by the victors. Check Twitter for live English translations of Hitler's speeches. the ones you will hear often do make sense. I believe many lies were told about this era, even if during war, noone remains eternally pristine.
Sweet sweet words from the 2005 antichrist
hmmm. ... I wonder why he choose to reside with Paul, whereas James, bother to Christ paints a picture that does involve elders but not int he role orthodox hierarchy represents ....
Ratzinger was an arch-conservative Catholic, and as such, he was viewed rather critically within Germanyโs increasingly left-leaning Catholic Church.
Brave (German search) In the 1980s, Joseph Ratzinger () underwent a decisive transition from academic theology to the highest ecclesiastical office in Rome and established himself as a leading conservative figure in the Catholic Church.
Assumption of Office as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: In 1981, Pope John Paul II appointed Ratzinger as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This position made him the Popeโs most important collaborator and the guardian of Catholic dogma, and he was often regarded as John Paul IIโs โright-hand man.โ Conflict with Liberation Theology: As Prefect, Ratzinger exercised strict oversight over theology. He viewed Liberation Theology in Latin America with skepticism bordering on rejection, as he feared its political activism and Marxist influences, while he supported resistance against communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Criticism in the Abuse Scandal: During this period, Ratzinger was also confronted with allegations that he had failed to adequately address cases of child abuse. An expert report found him guilty of misconduct in four cases during his time as Archbishop of Munich and Freising (1977โ1982), including the admission of the priest Peter Hullermann, who was suspected of abuse, in 1980. Ratzinger was later criticized for attributing the abuse scandal in part to the โclimate of the 1968 revolution,โ which was viewed as a scapegoating strategy. Theological and journalistic work: Despite his high offices, Ratzinger remained a prolific author. In the 1980s, he published important works such as โOn the State of the Faithโ (1985) and advocated for reconciliation and penance in the Churchโs mission (including as delegate president of the Synod of Bishops in 1983).
I think they had compromising material to force him to resign. They couldnโt pull off the John Paul I solution again. It was enough to have placed a Jesuit on the throne for the first timeโa Jesuit who ruled from the Vatican guesthouse and was not buried in St. Peterโs Basilica.
And this in such an ancient institution based on rules and traditions? Who would believe it.