February 26, 2013. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI published three encyclicals throughout his eight year pontificate, the first just eight months after his election as Pope. It is titled Deus Caritas Est, “God is Love,” and delves into a reflection of human and divine love.  

BENEDICT XVI (January 23, 2006)
“In this encyclical I would like to explain this concept of love in its different dimensions. Eros, is the gift of love between a man and a woman, and comes from the same source as the kindness of the Creator. Same as the possibility of a love that renounces oneself for the sake of others.”

In 2007, he published his second encyclical, Spe Salvi, about hope. Benedict XVI explained the cause that makes Christians hold out hope about eternal life and the future. He supports his reasoning to justify Christian hope.

The third encyclical was published in 2009. It is called Caritas in Veritate, “Charity in Truth,” and addresses current social topics. The document proposes a development model based on love and respect for others. It also states ways to help countries coming out of the global economic crisis.

He also wrote four Apostolic Exhortations as a result of the Synods of Bishops. One of them deals with the sacrament of the Eucharist, another on the Word of God and the mission of the Church, a third on the Church in Africa, and the last one on the Church in the Middle East.

He published a large number of government documents, 129 Apostolic Letters and 116 Apostolic Constitutions.

DIEGO CONTRERAS
Professor, Social Institutional Communications University of the Holy Cross
“It is not only the theological speculation, but the way in which it takes life. It applies to all faithful in every condition, and I think that richness resembles the Fathers of the Church that were all very deep, but at the same time they understood everyone, and what they taught had practical applications for the majority of Christians.”

Among the highlights are also the three speeches he gave on good governance and Church-State relations in Paris, London and Berlin; or his academic speech in Regensburg, Germany.

In addition to all of this, there are also numerous cathechesis and homilies Benedict XVI leaves behind, a large magisterial patrimony that will continue to impact the Church for many years to come.


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