The Martyrological Dimension of the Petrine Primacy in the Teachings of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI
The Martyrological Dimension of the Petrine Primacy in the Teachings of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI

Summary/Abstract: The author succinctly discusses the martyrological dimension of Petrine primacy on the basis of the teachings of Joseph Ratzinger - Benedict XVI. The paper presents the biblical foundation of the prophecy of St. Peter’s death as a martyr made by the Risen Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, offering an analysis of the Greek text of John 21:18–19. In his further reflections, the author discusses the development of the term “witness” in its Greek and Christian understanding. Then he briefly addresses the significance of a martyr as defined by Christian theology, explaining the dimensions of red and white martyrdom. In the fourth and last part of the paper, martyrological elements of the primacy are presented, including references to a work by Cardinal Reginald Pole quoted by Joseph Ratzinger.

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