Joseph Ratzinger and ecumenism

Novoizabrani papa Benedikt XVI. je bio pročelnik Kongregacije za nauk vjere od 1981. do 2005. Ta teška i odgovorna služba kao da je ‘‘zasjenila’ i stavila u drugi plan njegov široki teološki opus, a osobito njegovu ekumensku zauzetost. U prvom dijelu rada iznosi se u bitnim crtama njegova najznačajnija teološka djela. Zatim se ukazuje na njegov doprinos ekumenskom pokretu i dijalogu Katoličke crkve s drugim kršćanskim Crkvama i crkvenim zajednicama. U drugom dijelu članak se usredotočuje na ključna pitanja i goruće probleme ekumenizma, te se analizira specifični i osobni doprinos J. Ratzingera kao teološkog pisca i kao najbližeg suradnika pape Ivana Pavla II. u probijanju ‘novih putova’ na ekumenskom hodu i u nastojanju oko jedinstva svih Kristovih sljedbenika.The newly elected pope Benedict XVI was Head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith from 1981 to 2005. That difficult and challenging position seems to have pushed into the background his extensive theological work, especially his ecumenical commitment. The first part of this work gives an essential outline of his most important theological works. Then the author points at his contribution to the ecumenical movement and dialogue between the Catholic Church and other Christian churches and communities. In the second part the focus of the article are the key issues and burning problems of ecumenism. The author also analyses J. Ratzinger’s specific and personal contribution, who, as a theological writer and the closest fellow-worker of pope John Paul II, has cleared a “new way” to ecumenism and has strived for the unity of all Christ’s followers