The Blessed Virgin Mary in the thought of Pope Benedict XVI

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to deal with the Marian theology and the thought of Pope Benedict XVI on the Blessed Virgin Mary during his pontificate (2005-2013) while taking into account his previous writings as a theologian, professor, priest and later as a bishop and Cardinal. This dissertation will analyse the pronouncements by Pope Benedict XVI on the Mother of God in his homilies, speeches and his magisterial works, and seek to identify the convergence of the main themes of his Mariology. Analysing some other reflections on the Blessed Virgin Mary prior to his appointment as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith will lead to an appreciation of his contribution and look at the focus of his thought. The figure of the Virgin Mary in the life of the Church is central and leads the faithful to her son, Jesus Christ. The theology on Mary developed from the Sacred Scriptures, the teachings of Church Fathers and the Tradition of the Church amongst others. Joseph Ratzinger outlines this importance of the Blessed Mother and speaks on her role in the life of the Church and the faithful. These aspects will clearly appear when outlining the developments in Ratzinger’s thought along the years. The dissertation will also show how Pope Benedict XVI was committed to reawaken the Marian devotion in the Church.