The Pope on Love

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During the papacy of Pope John Paul II, the media dubbed Cardinal Josef Ratzinger "God's Rottweiler." But when Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, he showed his softer side. At Christmastime, he appeared to pilgrims in the Vatican as "Santa Pope," a jovial figure in a red Santa cap (called a camauro). In his youth, little Josef wanted a teddy bear every Christmas, according to his brother's memoirs. This is the side of Pope Benedict XVI that I want to remember, a gentle man who was a champion of faith, hope, and love.

On this last day before Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, I want to share with you some lessons he taught me about the passionate, eternal love we all long for. Couples coming to be married in the Catholic Church (and already-married couples, too) should realize and revel in the depth of learning the Church can offer on love. The first encyclical issued by Pope Benedict XVI -- on Christmas Day, as it so happens -- was on the subject of love. Its Latin name was Deus Caritas Est, or God is Love. Here are just ten things I learned from it. If you read it yourself, you could learn many more.

1. God is madly in love with us. God's love, as described in the Bible, is passionate, forgiving, and "boldly erotic." Read the Song of Songs, if you don't believe it. Should our love for our spouse be anything less?

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Comments

  1. Manny10:43 pm, February 27, 2013

    I commented on your personal blog page. But for the readers of this Catholic Womans blog they might be interested in adopting a Cardinal for the coming conclave:

    http://adoptacardinal.org/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown7:04 am, February 28, 2013

      Thanks, Manny!

      Delete
    2. Unknown7:06 am, February 28, 2013

      For some reason, your comment hasn't appeared yet on my personal blog page. You may want to try again.

      Delete

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