Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope Benedict XVI teaches on 'true authority'

Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican City, Jun 10, 2009 / 10:24 am (CNA).- Fifteen thousand people were present in St. Peter’s Square for today's general audience with Pope Benedict XVI. In his address, the Pope summarized the work of St. John Scotus Erigena, an Irish theologian of the ninth century who taught that true authority and reason can never contradict each other.

Scotus had an intimate knowledge of both the Greek and Latin Patristic culture, and developed a particular love for the writings of Dionysius, which led the Irish theologian to study the latter’s works thoroughly and to translate them into Latin, the Pope explained.

According to Pope Benedict, Scotus’ writings are important because they highlight the need to “constantly search for truth.” The Irish saint "develops certain stimulating theological and spiritual ideas which could indicate interesting avenues for further study, even for modern theologians," said Benedict XVI, referring to his understanding of “true authority.

“He is convinced that authority and reason can never be in contrast with one another,” the Pope explained, summarizing the saint's teachings. “True religion and true philosophy coincide.”
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See also from Asia News, "Pope: authority and reason are never in contrast, they have the same source in God."

And from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Pope: The absence of Christ causes total sadness
June 10, 2009

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:13 PM