Responding to the Moral Theology Inheritance of Benedict XVI in the Era of Francis I

Abstract

The perceptions of the moral theology of Joseph Ratzinger generally focus on his work as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, involving his directing the The Catechism of the Catholic Church project, and his upholding the teachings of John Paul II. Viewed thus, his position seems dichotomous with positions designated as ‘proportionalist’ or ‘consequentialist’. This article does not offer an appreciation or a critique of these opposing positions. Rather, drawing upon works published under Ratzinger’s own name across the span of his life as scholar, bishop, prefect and pope, offers a portrayal his manner of reasoning in moral theology, and the principles espoused for dialogue and discovery within the Catholic tradition. The article also observes congruencies between the moral theology of Ratzinger and of Bergoglio as seen in Evangelii gaudium.