Personal objects of Benedict XVI related to his priesthood exhibited in Rome

70 years after the priestly ordination of Pope Benedict XVI, the Arte Poli Gallery, in collaboration with the Museum of the Popes, inaugurates this exhibition on the priestly life of the Pope Emeritus.

His secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, says that priestly ordination continues to shape Benedict’s day-to-day life.

ARZ. GEORG GÄNSWEIN
Secretary to Benedict XVI
“The day of his ordination continues to be a reminder for him of the gift of the priesthood and reminds him of his commitment to be more faithful each day to what he promised when he was ordained.”

The exhibition brings together memories of the life of Joseph Ratzinger and of his years as Benedict XVI. There is the cassock and stole that he wore when he announced his resignation from the papacy.

IVAN MARSURA
Director, Arte Poli Gallery
“We have the original copy of a handwritten speech that is the introduction to Jesus of Nazareth, one of the most important works of Pope Benedict. Another particular element is a photograph signed by both popes, which is a unique piece of this exhibition ”.

Joseph Ratzinger was ordained a priest in 1951. 70 years later, these objects tell the story of the young German priest who became a great Church intellectual and eventually Pope.

ARZ. GEORG GÄNSWEIN
Secretary to Benedict XVI
“The objects range from his First Communion to a chasuble that he still wears today. In all this time he has put his priesthood at the center, and these objects show that his life, like all lives, is made up of many important moments that are still important to him ”.

This portrait of Benedict was also presented at the exhibition, with some symbols of his life and of his papacy.

The exhibition transports visitors to the most intimate moments of a Pope who will be remembered as one of the greatest contemporary theologians. It can be visited very close to the Vatican until next December 22.

Romereports.com