The Mind of Benedict XVI: A Theology of Communion

Pope Benedict XVI’s legacy is incalculable. His contributions to the Church as cleric and theologian are vast and varied, and his life of faith and theological work are so deeply intertwined that it is impossible to understand Benedict the theologian without understanding Benedict the devout Catholic.

Surprisingly, Benedict himself never wrote anything describing the ＂theology of Benedict XVI,＂ and the connections between the various dimensions of his thought are not often apparent. Author Richard DeClue provides an overview of Benedict’s biography and theological method and deftly articulates the unity within his writings by exploring, chapter by chapter, each of Benedict’s principles regarding the Trinity, revelation, creation, Christology, liturgy, and more. The Mind of Benedict XVI captures the cohesive nature of Benedict’s life and thought and offers a profound theological portrayal of one of the most dynamic Catholic figures of the last century.

Dr. Richard G. DeClue, Jr., is a systematic theologian and Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute. He earned degrees in theology at Belmont Abbey College (BA) and The Catholic University of America (STB, STL, and SThD). Both his STL thesis and doctoral dissertation focused on the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, particularly on his ecclesiology and theology of divine revelation, respectively. Additionally, he has published articles on Benedict XVI in Communio, Nova et Vetera, and Evangelization & Culture.