Rector''s College of the Catholic University of Lublin: Benedict XVI - one of the most outstanding figures of the Church in the 20th and 21st centuries

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then Pope Benedict XVI, was one of the most outstanding figures of the Catholic Church in the 20th and 21st centuries, the Rector's College of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin stresses.

The governing body of the Catholic University of Lublin recalls that Cardinal Ratzinger received an honorary doctorate from this University in October 1988. The award of an honorary doctorate is not the only connection between Cardinal Ratzinger, John Paul II's successor on the See of Peter, and the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). In 2011, the University obtained from the Vatican the exclusive right to publish in print - in book form - the texts of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in the series "Opera Omnia Joseph Ratzinger," in a total of 16 volumes.

"The Holy Father Benedict XVI was always very kind and supportive to our University. We experienced this during his visit to our University at the time he was a cardinal, as well as during the visits of a delegation of the Catholic University of Lublin to the Vatican," the statement reads.

The Rector's College of the Catholic University of Lublin also points out that Cardinal Ratzinger was a close associate of St. John Paul II, and he also began his beatification process, which led to the Polish Pope's elevation to the altar.

"Although Benedict XVI called himself a 'humble worker in the Vineyard of the Lord,' he was one of the most outstanding theologians in the history of the Catholic Church. His thought and work influenced the development of modern culture, ecumenical dialogue, and interreligious dialogue with Judaism and Islam," the authorities of the Catholic University of Lublin stress.