Thurn und Taxis takes a critical view of Benedict XVI's resignation

Gloria von Thurn und Taxis (65) believes it is too early to make historical judgements about Pope Benedict XVI. "His work must be read in the context of the zeitgeist," the Catholic noblewoman and expert on the works of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI (1927-2022) told theMittelbayerische newspaper (Thursday). In order to judge him in a historical context, a good 50 years would have to pass. However, she takes a critical view of his resignation from the papacy. "Joseph Ratzinger has thus destroyed his own monument as pontiff." Nevertheless, he will be remembered as a priest, a bishop and also as a theological writer.

At the same time, Thurn und Taxis called it "completely wrong" to call Benedict XVI conservative. "But it's often the case that public perception is completely wrong because people don't really engage with what has been said and written." Anyone who reads Ratzinger's books or sermons will soon realise that he was absolutely a child of his time and avoided a rigid definition of black or white in order to avoid being clearly categorised. "That's why he was bitterly wronged by being labelled an arch-conservative."

Even 20 years after his election as Pope, the Thurn und Taxis family still has photographs of him at home "as a reminder of our acquaintance and encounters", said the noblewoman. "I admired him very much because he was such a distinguished, reserved gentleman, but with a lot of humour and knowledge." (KNA)