A Circle of Theological Reflection

On September 13, the Ratzinger Schülerkreis convened in Rome for a theological conference titled “Holiness as the Goal of Theology and Life.” Held in the auditorium of the Istituto Maria Bambina, just steps away from St. Peter’s Basilica, the event drew scholars and theologians to explore the profound connection between theology and the universal call to holiness.

The Schülerkreis is the historic circle of former students of Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope Benedict XVI, established in 1977. This group was expanded in 2008 with the creation of the New Circle of Students (Neuer Schülerkreis), which includes younger theologians dedicated to continuing the study of Benedict XVI’s work.

Continuing Benedict’s Theological Legacy

Professor Christoph Ohly, President of the Neuer Schülerkreis, explained the group’s mission: “What both circles of students have in common is their collaborative effort to make the theology of Joseph Ratzinger and Pope Benedict known, to open it up, and to bring it into the debate. Our conferences, along with other projects, aim to discuss and deepen current issues in light of Benedict’s thought, and to uncover sources that can help people today—in their own faith, in the life of the Church, and in the field of theology.”

The conference, which was broadcast live by EWTN, highlighted the theme of holiness as a universal vocation. Prominent speakers included Cardinal Kurt Koch and Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and organizer of the Holy Year 2025, each of whom contributed insights on how Pope Benedict’s theological legacy can inspire today’s faithful in their pursuit of holiness.

Adapted by Jacob Stein