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The current pope (Benedict XVI) chose this name himself. He said he was thinking of two prior Benedicts: (1) St. Benedict, the Father of Western Monasticism; and (2) Pope Benedict XV.
Why St. Benedict? Because he was a simple monk who desired to live a quiet life of prayer and work and lead others to do the same. He developed the practical "rule of life"(guide) that became the "standard" for thousands of monks and monasteries worldwide (most notably the great monastery at Monte Casino, located outside of Rome, Italy, and in existence from 529 AD to 1944 when it was destroyed by the Germans). These monks, following the Benedictine model/rule ultimately evangelized and educated Europe during the centuries known as the "Dark Ages." Pope Benedict XVI (elected in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II) didn't really want to be pope. He wanted to return to his birthplace (Bavaria) and devote himself to prayer and theological writing. Benedict XVI (formerly known as Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) is a brilliant academic and theologian. He wanted to return to a life of peace, solitude and academic/theological pursuits. Didn't turn out that way. Another key to the pope's choice was the focus of St. Benedict (and the Benedictine monks) to evangelization of Western Europe. Benedict XVI's focus is on the re-Christianization of Western Europe.
Why Pope Benedict XV? He was pope during WWI and witnessed supposedly Catholic nations warring and attacking each other. Benedict XV's focus was a call to peace and reconciliation. He also vigorously sought to heal the divisions and wounds among the various Christian denominations and called for Christian unity between The Orthodox Church and The Catholic Church. Benedict XV called for an era of Christian renewal with prayer, intense Scriptural reading as the means to healing.
That is essentially why Cardinal Ratzinger chose the papal (new) name of Benedict XVI.
He wants to follow the good works Benedict XV had done before.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoHe wanted to honor the name of two people he greatly admired - St, Benedict of Nursia and Pope Benedict XV.
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Has Pope Benedict XVl been pope for 5 years?
Pope Benedict XVI was pope from April of 2005 until February 28, 2013.
Does Pope Benedict XVl have any brothers?
Yes, he has a brother George who is a priest.
When did Pope Benedict Died?
PopeBenedict XVl was born on the 16th of April 1927
Why is Pope Benedict XVl coming to London?
It is to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman to Blessed John Henry Newman
Did Pope Benedict XVl go to jail?
Yes, he did. He had been conscripted into the German Army towards the end of WWII. He deserted the army when he saw the Allies were about to liberate Germany. He was arrested and held as a prisoner of war by the Allies but quickly released.
Who is Louis xvl?
King Louis XVl is the 16th king in France
What was Marie Antoinettes name after the execution of her husband Louis xvl widow?
After the execution of Louis XVI she was called widow Capet.
When was xvl executed?
On 21 January 1793.
What is xvl 111 in roman numerals?
48
Which was not a factor that led to the French Revolution?
the death of louis xvl
How much did Aaron Rodgers earn in Super Bowl XVL?
7000
What does XVL represent in Roman numerals?
X is 10 and V is 5. So, XV is 15. L is larger than 15, so we subtract. (L=50.) 50-15=35. However, XVL is not used since XXXV is usually used.
