Called to Communion

by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Trans. Adrian Walker
San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1996

Reviewed by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

The recent election of Pope Benedict XVI (previously Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) has caused there to be increased interest in his writings. "Called to Communion: Understanding the Church Today" was originally written in 1991. In it, Cardinal Ratzinger attempted to offer a "primer of Catholic ecclesiology." It is composed of the texts from three different presentations that he gave during 1990: a theology course for bishops, the opening statement of the Synod for Bishops, and a speech given on the Church and ecclesial reform.

Ratzinger attempts to answer many questions in this volume. Among them are: What is the Church in the first place? What is the purpose of her existence? What is the role of the priesthood? and What can be done to reform the Church? While the text is intended for bishops and there are portions which would be of little interest to anyone else, there are many sections of "Called to Communion" of importance to the larger people of God.

In particular, his arguments for the primacy of the Roman bishops have many implications for ecumenical dialogue. He argues that both Paul and the Johannine tradition make the case for the primacy of Peter. He maintains that Paul introduces Peter as the first witness to the Resurrection. Because witness of that event is considered the prime criteria for apostleship, Peter gains special recognition because he was the first. One might question, of course, how the role of Mary Magdalene might fit into such a scheme since she was the first person the risen Lord actually appeared to. Regardless, one can agree with Ratzinger's assertion that Peter did "enjoy a special position in the circle of the Twelve."

An issue regarding succession does come into play, however, once Peter has died. Ratzinger asserts that "the Church of Rome, where Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom . . . was the standard of the authentic apostolic tradition as a whole." It is interesting to note, especially since he now holds the office, that Ratzinger does not hold the popes themselves in high esteem. Rather, he states that "the men in question are so glaringly, so blatantly unequal to this function that the very empowerment of man to be the rock makes evident how little it is they who sustain the Church but God alone who does so, who does so more in spite of men than through them."

His last section, on efforts to renew the Church, is particularly interesting as well. It becomes apparent that our new pope, while rejecting any efforts at democratizing the Church, does believe that the Church is in need of constant renewal. He understands why people may become frustrated with the Church. The goal of renewal should be to "let in the pure light that comes from above." He states that we need "not a more human, but a more divine Church; then she will also become truly human."

Portions of "Called to Communion" make for rather heavy reading, but it is very interesting to discover what the man who leads the Church believes is the Church's mission, the role of the hierarchy, and its mission for the future.

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of "The Spiritual Woman Newsletter" and author of "Letters to Mary from a Young Mother" (iUniverse, 2004). She has a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Theology from Elms College.