A previously unpublished letter written by Pope Benedict XVI on April 27, 2021—just over a year before his death—has come to light.
Published in the book The Faith of the Future, the pope emeritus reflects on the relational nature of Christian prayer. He explains that it has a unique characteristic: it is not limited to asking Jesus for things, but primarily consists in remaining in divine communion.
“Jesus is at once man and God and can thus be the bridge, the pontifex, who makes it possible to overcome the infinite abyss between God and man.”
Responding to the argument that prayer should only offer praise and not ask for concrete things, Benedict XVI is clear.
"This would already be foolish, since God could not and should not be bothered with our small things."
Reflecting also on the Eucharist, Benedict XVI says that prayer should always lead to it for it is ultimately fulfilled in and through it.
