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CV NEWS FEED // A newly published 2003 interview of then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, is now available in his Opera Omnia volume titled, In Dialogue with His Own Time.
The interview, part of a collection of 39 conversations spanning decades, provides reflections on the modern crisis of faith, the role of biblical exegesis, and theological divides within Christianity. It reveals Cardinal Ratzinger’s deep faith and his commitment to defending Catholic doctrine. Excerpts have been published in English by Italian journalist Sandro Magister.
In the interview, Cardinal Ratzinger addressed the shift in the perception of faith, noting a dramatic change since the Enlightenment. Historically, he said, belief in God was considered self-evident, as creation reflected a divine intelligence.
“Up until the Enlightenment,” he explained, “there was no doubt that God shone through the world; it was somehow evident that behind this world there stands a higher intelligence.”
However, he observed, modernity reversed this view. Today, “everything, it seems, is explained at the material level. The hypothesis of God … is no longer necessary.” Science, Cardinal Ratzinger argued, now claims ultimate authority, making it harder to recognize God and accept Jesus Christ.
This materialistic worldview has placed greater demands on believers, he argued.
“Faith requires a much greater commitment,” he said, one that demands “the courage to resist apparent certainties.” He emphasized that turning to God has become significantly more difficult in an age dominated by material explanations and skepticism about divine revelation.
Cardinal Ratzinger also critiqued the impact of historical-critical biblical exegesis on the faith of simple Christians. He highlighted its limitations, noting that it often undermines faith.
“The problem of historical-critical exegesis is naturally gigantic,” he stated, acknowledging its transformative impact on both Catholic and Protestant Churches for more than a century.
He expressed concern about how it has been misapplied in catechesis, fragmenting the proclamation of the Gospel and introducing doubt.
“It has been particularly devastating to have taken up the poorly assimilated dominant hypotheses in catechesis,” he explained.
This approach, he said, elevated contemporary academic interpretations above Church authority, leading to confusion and weakened faith.
Cardinal Ratzinger underscored the need for a balanced approach to exegesis. While modern methods provide valuable insights, he said, they must be integrated with the faith of the Church.
“A simple blanket condemnation of historical-critical exegesis would be a mistake,” he noted, emphasizing that it offers essential knowledge about formation and unity of the sacred text.
However, he cautioned against treating it as infallible science.
“In reality, the history of exegesis is a cemetery of hypotheses,” he remarked, observing how often these reflect contemporary ideologies rather than the true voice of Scripture. He called for skepticism toward claims of scientific certainty and urged trust in the Church’s faith, which “remains the authentic constant and shows us the true Jesus.”
Cardinal Ratzinger emphasized the centrality of Christ as He is presented in the Gospels.
“The true Jesus is still the Jesus that the Gospels present to us,” he affirmed, warning against fragmentary constructions shaped by modern ideologies.
He observed that even historical-critical studies often mirror the spirit of the times rather than providing objective insights.
Turning to theological divisions between Catholics and Protestants, Cardinal Ratzinger discussed the Eucharist and the authority of the Church. He critiqued the German Evangelical Church’s downplaying of key elements of the Eucharist, such as the prayer of consecration and apostolic succession. He highlighted the Eucharist’s sacramental nature, saying, “The Eucharist is more than a supper. The sacrifice of Christ is present.”
Apostolic succession, he argued, is essential to the Church’s structure, as it ensures the continuity of the faith and the legitimacy of Scripture.
“Canon — Scripture — apostolic succession, as well as the episcopal office, are inseparable,” he stated.
Cardinal Ratzinger also questioned the Protestant principle of “sola Scriptura,” which he said undermines communal faith. Without the Church’s authority to interpret Scripture, he argued, faith becomes fragmented and subjective.
“A Church that does not guarantee us a common faith is not a Church,” he asserted.
The interview concluded with Cardinal Ratzinger reflecting on his personal work. He revealed that he had begun writing a book about Jesus in August 2003, intending to demonstrate how Scripture presents a “living and harmonious figure” of Christ. This is the project that became his Jesus of Nazareth trilogy.
