I thought this was pretty interesting via the Ratzinger Forum.
LUTHER AND PROTESTANTISM Topic for Ratzinger Schuelerkreis September seminar in Castel Gandolfo
VATICAN CITY, Mar. 3 (Apcom) - Pope Benedict XVI and his onetime doctoral students will discuss Martin Luther (1483-1546) at the annual reunion and seminar of the Ratzinger Schuelerkreis to be held in Castel Gandolfo in September.
Specifically, the seminar will look at whether Luther intended the schism that his Reformation produced - as historiography has unanimously concluded - or whether he had merely intended to reform the millenary Church but without trauma.
The Schuelerkreis comprises about 40 theologians from around the world who pursued their doctoral studies under Prof. Joseph Ratzinger when he taught at German universities. One of them is Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, Archbishop of Vienna.
Although the topic may be academic, it was learned that the discussions would particularly analyze what it means for the question of apostolic succession, through which the apostles passed on the authority they received directly from jesus to their successors, the bishops. Catholics and Orthodox consider this succession a guarantee that Tradition will not be lost.
But most Protestant sects that arose from the Reformation understand the apostolic succession only to refer to God's Word, not to church structure. Recent studies in Germany and northern Europe have reportedly started to cast some doubts whether Luther himself meant that distinction, as it has evolved through the centuries.
In Sweden, the Protestant Church recognizes the apostolic succession in a manner close to the Catholic interpretation.
I am very pleased the Holy Father does these types of things. It would needless to say be cool to present if one knew I suppose German.
However no doubt some of what will be said will "leak out" and we will be forced to remind newspapers, tv stations, bloggers, that things said in a Papal "bull" session with former students is not infalliable ,or the offical doctrine or positon of the Church. It is certain to happens as death and taxes.
Interesting, I was having a similar converstion at lunch the other day with several protestant and jewish co-workers. It's doubtful that we were as comprehensive as the pope and his students will be, but the consensus among the table is that it would madness to intend a break from rome at the outset and that it is far more likely that he was simply caught up and lost in a growing tide. These things happen daily, differing only in degree.
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