Vatican Secretary Stresses “spiritual consonance” Between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI

In his introduction, Parolin recounted that Pope Francis’ concluding speech at the 2015 Synod on the Family included citations of Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict. 

The cardinal used this as an example to express that “the continuity of the papal magisterium is the path followed and carried out by Pope Francis, who in the most solemn moments of his pontificate always referred to the example of his predecessors.”

Parolin also described the “lively affection” that exists between the pope and the pope emeritus, quoting Benedict as saying to Francis on June 28, 2016: “Your goodness, evident from the moment of your election, has continually impressed me, and greatly sustains my interior life. The Vatican Gardens, even for all their beauty, are not my true home: my true home is your goodness.”

The 272-page book was published in Italian by Rizzoli press. The editor of the compilation of papal speeches was not disclosed. 

The Vatican Secretary of State called the book a “primer on Christianity,” adding that it touches on the topics of faith, the Church, the family, prayer, truth and justice, mercy and love.

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“The spiritual consonance of the two popes and the diversity of their communicative style multiply the perspectives and enrich the experience of the readers: not only the faithful but all the people who, in an age of crisis and uncertainty, recognize in the Church a voice capable of speaking to the needs and aspirations of man,” he said.

Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.