CBCI Bishops-Theologians Colloquium Reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s Enduring Theological Legacy

AGRA, July 28, 2026: The enduring theological legacy of Pope Benedict XVI was the focus of the 27th CBCI Bishops-Theologians Colloquium held at Nav Jyoti Pastoral Centre, Agra, from July 25 to 26.

Centred on the theme, “A Rereading of the Theological Journey of Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger),” the colloquium brought together 53 participants, including seven bishops and Chote Bhai, for scholarly reflection and dialogue on the theological contributions of the late Pope.

Inaugurating the colloquium, Archbishop Raphy Manjaly, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Doctrine, reflected on the Church's mission in the contemporary world. He emphasised that the Church “must embody hope by being present amid human struggles with a ‘mysticism of open eyes’ focused on Jesus Christ.”

Msgr. Alberto Napolitano, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Apostolic Nunciature in India, delivered the inaugural message, while Archbishop Albert D'Souza, Archbishop Emeritus, felicitated the participants.

Dr. Thomas Vadakkel, a member of the International Committee for the Centenary of the Birth of Joseph Ratzinger, conveyed a message from Prof. Dr. Pietro Luca Azzaro of the Fondazione Vaticana Joseph Ratzinger-Benedetto XVI in Rome and presented the framework of the colloquium.

Six academic sessions featured 16 papers examining various dimensions of Ratzinger's theological thought, including Christian love, hope, Christology, biblical interpretation, ecclesiology, eschatology, Mariology, human dignity, interreligious dialogue and the challenge of relativism.

The presentations highlighted Pope Benedict XVI's Christ-centred theological vision, his understanding of the Church as a communion rooted in the Eucharist, his emphasis on the harmony between faith and reason, and his commitment to truth amid contemporary cultural and theological challenges. Each presentation was followed by scholarly discussion and exchange.

In addition to the academic sessions, participants took part in Eucharistic celebrations, a panel discussion and a reflective session that revisited the principal insights emerging from the colloquium and explored possible directions for the future.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for participants to share their personal engagement with Ratzinger's theological thought. The organisers stressed the importance of wider participation in such theological forums, particularly by religious sisters and lay theologians.

The colloquium reaffirmed the continuing relevance of Pope Benedict XVI's theological legacy and provided a platform for deeper reflection on faith, truth and the mission of the Church in the contemporary world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter