Synteza teologiczna nauki o prymacie papieskim i misja Następcy Piotra w służbie prawdy w pismach J. Ratzingera/Benedykta XVI
Theological synthesis of the teaching about the Papal primacy and the mission of St. Peter’s successor in the service of truth in Joseph Ratzinger’s (Pope Benedict XVI) writings

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to present the main lines of the primacy theology as presented by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) and its significance in an ecumenical dialogue. Ratzinger, following Catholic ecclesiology, points out that the bishop of Rome carries out the task which was entrusted to Peter by Jesus. Referring to the biblical sources, he researches Peter’s place in all New Testament writings and analyses texts describing his mission. Quoting the arguments from the Bible supporting Christ’s origin of Peter’s prerogatives in the area of leading and directing the Church, Ratzinger argues that Peter’s primacy has its Biblical roots and comes from God. The Bavarian theologian points out a personal character of the primacy, thus assessing that the foundation of the Church is both the person and the statement of faith, whose subject is the person. Ratzinger presents the papal office in relation to the Passion of Christ so the Peter’s primacy has a testimonial structure and is related to matryrology through following. The essence of Papacy’s message includes witnessing about Jesus Christ and His salvific message. Thus, the primacy always witnesses about a relationship of the Church with Christ, legitimizes and strengthens it. Stressing a personal character of the primacy, which is expressed in the attitude of being “on the way with Jesus” in the perspective of the Passion and the Cross, we can conclude that authenticity and authority of Christianity takes place not through law, norms and rules but through the miracle of the person of the Church Shepherd, who is responsible for the faith purity and Church unity.

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