It is reported that Benedict XVI died today. There will follow prayers and Masses required by the Vatican on those in the Catholic Church for the repose of his soul. That is all right and proper. It is important to hold the dead up in prayer and honor their memory.
While what follows is critical of Ratzinger/Benedict, I do so acknowledging that the flaws and faults I possess are far greater than that of Ratzinger/Benedict. However, my flaws and faults however have not impacted the Catholic faith in the same manner as that of Ratzinger/Benedict. I also acknowledge that he sincerely lived the faith in which he believed, in spite of the damage I believe he has done to the faith.
Ratzinger/Benedict’s Legacy
However, in many ways, Joseph Ratzinger as the head of the Doctrine of the Faith and later as Pope Benedict XVI, did, in my opinion, a lot of damage to the Catholic Church. He, along with John Paul II, tried to dismantle the very needed reforms of Vatican II.
Political and Theological Legacy
His politics and traditionalism coupled with that of John Paul II was a detriment to the Catholicism in the Latin America, with them often supporting the bloody reign of many Latin American autocrats and dictators over the advancement of people’s rights in many Latin American nations. Their utter condemnation and persecution of bishops like Oscar Romero, who was later declared a martyr for the faith and made a saint by Pope Francis I, is a scandal to our faith. Their utter condemnation of Liberation Theology, which Pope Francis has praised as an important contribution to the Catholic faith, is also a black mark against them.
Liturgical Legacy/Damage
Benedict/Ratzinger was a Traditionalist whose Motu Propio allowing priests to celebrate the Latin Trindentine Mass, has done such great harm to the liturgy of the Catholic Church, that Pope Francis issued his own Motu Propio condemning the celebration of that form of Mass. Note, many American bishops have ignored Pope Francis’ order to end the celebration of this Mass and continue to allow it as sign of defiance toward Pope Francis. Priests celebrating this Mass, willy nilly, continues to divide and prompt Catholics to seek either other Catholic parishes or leave the Catholic Church altogether.
Dominus Jesu and the End of Ecumenism
As head of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, Ratzinger/Benedict issued a declaration named “Dominus Jesu”. In my opinion, this declaration of his ended the ecumenism of Vatican II. In this declaration, Ratzinger/Benedict stated that salvation is only through the Catholic Church. I am no great theologian, but I consider this statement as heretical. Salvation is ONLY through Jesus Christ and not isolated to very flawed religious institutions. This statement written by Ratzinger and approved by John Paul II is a back slide to the days in which was popularly taught that everyone not Catholic would not be saved.
Male Exclusiveness and Church Exclusiveness
Ratzinger/Benedict also ended the use of inclusive language in Church documents and liturgies. As Pope he preached and wished for a very exclusive Church that was smaller and more faithful (in contrast to the inclusiveness of Jesus in his earthly ministry modeled by Pope Francis).
Response to Criminal Sexual Abuse by Clergy
He did try to get John Paul II to do something about the criminal sexual abuse committed by Catholic clergy and religious. However, John Paul II was too influenced by the conservative politics and money that these religious orders and institutions had to do anything to end the damage done by the clergy in these organizations.
Ratzinger/Benedict as Administrator
As Pope Benedict, Ratzinger proved himself to be a poor administrator, and incapable of stopping the corruption that was rampant in the Roman Curia. It has been through the efforts of Pope Francis that the Vatican Bank is no longer laundering money for the Mafia, financial theft etc by high ranking Cardinals in the Curia, and many of those guilty of sexual crimes to innocent and vulnerable children and adults,have been held accountable and thrown out of the Church.
Conclusion
While I believe that Ratzinger/Benedict has been a millstone around the neck of Pope Francis who is trying to reestablish the teachings and liturgical practices of Vatican II, Pope Francis has been very gracious toward Ratzinger/Benedict.
As much as I have dislike what Ratzinger/Benedict has done to the Catholic Church in his capacity as head of the Doctrine of the Faith, and as Pope, I pray that he rests in peace and is experiencing the abundant mercy and love God will extend to me when I die.
