The Benedict XVI Society provides an international point of reference for selected conferences, lectures, symposia, and gatherings dedicated to the life, thought, and theological contribution of Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI.
By bringing together relevant events from institutions and initiatives around the world, the Society seeks to make these opportunities more accessible, encourage participation, and foster international exchange.
Discover selected conferences, lectures, symposia, and gatherings from around the world.
Rathaus Altötting (Town Hall) · Altötting, Germany
A photo exhibition recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to Altötting on September 11, 2006, under the motto “Who believes is never alone,” including behind-the-scenes insights into its organization and the donation of his episcopal ring to the Altar of Grace.
Organizers: City of Altötting and Diocese of Passau
7:00 PM · Stiftspfarrkirche · Altötting, Germany
Anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop Georg Gänswein, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Altötting.
Organizers: Gnadenort Altötting and Diocese of Passau
6:00 PM · Pfarrkirche St. Oswald · Marktl am Inn, Germany
Anniversary Mass for the 20th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Marktl am Inn.
Organizer: Geburtshaus Papst Benedikt XVI. Marktl/Inn
12:30 PM · Aula 30, Central Building, University of Navarra · Pamplona, Spain
A seminar by Prof. Dr. Pablo Blanco Sarto examining the background and global reception of Benedict XVI’s Regensburg Lecture and its contribution to the debate on faith and reason, modernity, Christian roots, Islam, Christianity, and the identity of the West.
Organizer: University of Navarra — Science, Reason and Faith Group
Universidad de La Sabana · Bogotá, Colombia
An international conference marking Joseph Ratzinger’s centenary through engagement with his theological thought.
Organizers: Vatican Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI Foundation and Universidad de La Sabana
7:00 PM · Gemeindezentrum, Pontifical Institute Santa Maria dell’Anima · Rome, Italy
An interdisciplinary working session led by Prof. Don Achim Buckenmaier. Students from different universities and academic fields analyze and discuss texts, speeches, and homilies of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI, followed by a shared discussion and reflection.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
Augustinianum · Rome, Italy
The annual meeting of Ratzinger’s circle of students, including a public symposium on September 26.
Organizer: Neuer Ratzinger Schülerkreis e.V.
Geburtshaus Papst Benedikt XVI. · Marktl am Inn, Germany
On the 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi’s death, a lecture with Dr. Franz Haringer, theological director of Pope Benedict XVI’s birthplace.
Organizer: Geburtshaus Papst Benedikt XVI. Marktl/Inn
9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Jornada II, Universidad San Sebastián – Los Leones · Santiago, Chile
A congress on reason, faith, and Ratzinger’s legacy in Chile’s civic traditions, focusing on faith and reason, ethics, the rule of justice, and democratic deliberation.
Organizers: Congreso Jóvenes – Vocación de Estado
Gemeindezentrum, Pontifical Institute Santa Maria dell’Anima · Rome, Italy
An interdisciplinary workshop bringing together students from different universities and academic fields to examine and debate texts, speeches, and homilies by Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI. The session concludes with shared discussion and reflection.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
Collège des Bernardins · Paris, France
An international symposium exploring Benedict XVI’s addresses in France across faith and reason, culture, politics, and the future of Christianity.
Organizers: Collège des Bernardins and international partners
6:30–7:30 PM Italian time · Online
Ten online meetings marking 60 years since the university course later published as Introduction to Christianity. The group will read and discuss one of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI’s key works in preparation for the 2027 celebrations and the conference “Seekers of Truth,” July 6–8, 2027.
Next SessionOct 21, 2026 — Joseph Ratzinger: From the Chair to the Cathedra
Organizer: FORMA ECCLESIA APS, within CeStRiUm – Center for Humanistic Research
University of Vienna · Vienna, Austria
Focusing on revelation, Scripture, and tradition, this symposium examines the fundamental principles of Catholic theology in Joseph Ratzinger’s thought.
Organizers: Vatican Foundation, University of Vienna, and University of Augsburg
University of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Heiligenkreuz Abbey & Mariazell · Austria
A youth and press program accompanying the symposium “Joseph Ratzingers Theologie im Widerstreit.” The program combines interviews with speakers, Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, visits related to Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic journey, Vespers and BUCHLAB at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, and a pilgrimage to Mariazell.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
Akademia Kujawsko-Pomorska, ul. Toruńska 55–57 & online · Bydgoszcz, Poland
Scholars and experts from multiple disciplines consider the future of humanity amid technological, social, and cultural change. Panels explore artificial intelligence and the Christian vision of the human person, alongside contemporary questions in economics, law, architecture, medicine, nursing, and science.
Organizers: Akademia Kujawsko-Pomorska, Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI, and Ratzinger Study Centre in Bydgoszcz
Multiple venues · Almería, Spain
An international congress of academic lectures, liturgical celebrations, and cultural events on Ratzinger’s theological, philosophical, and human contribution.
Organizers: Congreso Internacional committee, Providentia, and international partners
St. Maria Himmelfahrt & St. Gertrud · Herzogenrath, Germany
A two-day event for young adults with talks, discussions, Mass, and spiritual moments.
Organizers: Benedict XVI Society, Fundatio Christiana Virtus e.V., and K-TV
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, USA
A presentation of Volume 6 of Joseph Ratzinger’s Collected Works, bringing renewed attention to his Christological thought.
Organizers: Word on Fire Academic, Benedict XVI Chair, and Vatican Foundation
Winona & Rochester, Minnesota · USA
The annual New Ressourcement conference explores the theological and intellectual sources that shaped Joseph Ratzinger’s thought.
Organizers: Diocese of Winona-Rochester, The New Ressourcement, and partners
5:00–7:30 PM · Campo Santo Teutonico · Vatican City
A conference and Holy Mass marking the 150th anniversary of Pius XII’s birth and the 100th anniversary of Benedict XVI’s birth. With contributions from church leaders and scholars, the program explores Pacelli’s service as nuncio in Germany, Sr. Pascalina Lehnert, and Blessed Clemens August von Galen.
Organizers: Ratzinger Class, Associazione Pacelli – Comitato Pio XII, and Von Galen Stiftung
4:00 PM · Via di Val Cannuta 32 C · Rome, Italy
A meeting with Prof. P. Hermann Geissler FSO on the life and thought of St. J.H. Newman, one year after his proclamation as Doctor of the Universal Church. The discussion will take place in the Benedict XVI Library of the House of the Spiritual Family L’Opera, followed by a visit to the International Center. The event will conclude with Adoration and Vespers in the chapel.
Organizers: Ratzinger Class and Friends of Newman International Center
Tangaza University · Nairobi, Kenya
An international symposium examining Africa and the renewal of the Church through the theological vision of Pope Benedict XVI.
Organizers: Vatican Foundation, Tangaza University, and Saint Mary’s University
Assisi, Italy
A study journey through Assisi with conferences led by Fr. Igor Salmič, O.F.M. Conv. During the Franciscan Jubilee, participants will explore the presence and significance of St. Francis and St. Bonaventure in the thought of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
7:00 PM · Aula Magna, Faculty of Humanities · Santiago, Chile
A conversation on the great challenges of our time, based on the recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and the thought of Benedict XVI. On this occasion, his book, published by Semillas Ediciones, will be presented, along with other editorial novelties. Free admission; limited seats.
Organizers: Semillas Ediciones and Universidad de los Andes
7:00 PM · Gemeindezentrum, Pontifical Institute Santa Maria dell’Anima · Rome, Italy
An interdisciplinary workshop bringing together students from different universities and academic fields to examine and debate texts, speeches, and homilies by Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI. The session concludes with shared discussion and reflection.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
Apostolic Palace of the Vatican · Vatican City
The 2026 Ratzinger Prize, approved by Pope Leo XIV, has been awarded to Prof. John C. Cavadini of the University of Notre Dame for his outstanding publication activity and scientific research in theology, particularly Patristic theology and St. Augustine. The former director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life is the 32nd laureate since 2011.
Organizers: Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI, its Scientific Committee and President Prof. Roberto Regoli, and Pope Leo XIV
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum · Rome, Italy
A centenary conference reflecting on Eschatology and Spe salvi. The call for papers is open to scholars and doctoral students; proposals are due September 25, 2026.
Organizers: Vatican Foundation and APRA
Auditorium, Kujawy and Pomorze Academy, ul. Toruńska 55–57 · Bydgoszcz, Poland
A national essay competition inviting high-school students to explore the Church in Joseph Ratzinger’s thought during Benedict XVI’s centenary year. Entries are due December 20, 2026; finalists will be announced February 15, 2027, with the final held in Bydgoszcz on March 12.
Organizers: Liturgical Formation Centre of the Diocese of Bydgoszcz and Ratzinger Study Centre in Bydgoszcz–Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI
LMU Munich & St. Ludwig Church · Munich, Germany
An academic event and festive Mass honoring Pope Benedict XVI on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Organizers: Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI Foundation and partners
Altötting, Germany
The fourth annual theological gathering honoring Joseph Ratzinger’s legacy during his centenary year, with Mass, lectures, and discussions.
Organizers: Benedict XVI Society and Fundatio Christiana Virtus e.V.
Wed 9:00 AM–6:00 PM · Thu 9:00 AM–8:00 PM · Casa Central and Campus San Joaquín UC · Santiago, Chile
An international space for reflection and exchange on the legacy, contributions, perspectives, and open questions of Joseph Ratzinger’s theology, commemorating the centenary of his birth. The Call for Papers is open for communications until December 31, 2026.
Organizer: Faculty of Theology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC)
9:00 AM · Various sites · Rome, Italy
A guided walk led by Prof. P. Hermann Geissler FSO to discover places in Rome connected to the memory and life of Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI, with special visits and guest speakers. The itinerary will be preceded by Holy Mass.
Organizer: Ratzinger Class
St Mary’s University · Twickenham, London, United Kingdom
An international conference bringing together established scholars and emerging researchers to explore the richness and continuing significance of Joseph Ratzinger’s theological thought, its intellectual and historical sources, its reception, and its relevance for the life and mission of the Church today. The programme opens with Mass and a public keynote lecture, followed by two days of keynote lectures, contributed papers, doctoral research sessions, and a round-table discussion.
Organizer: St Mary’s University, Twickenham · Official patronage: Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation
Monastery of Santa Scolastica · Subiaco (Rome), Italy
The final event of the journey that began with the Ratzinger Reading Group “Reading Introduction to Christianity Today.” The conference Cercatori della Verità will culminate the ten online meetings held from October 2026 to May 2027, marking 60 years since Joseph Ratzinger’s university course that was later published as Introduction to Christianity.
Organizer: FORMA ECCLESIA APS, within CeStRiUm – Center for Humanistic Research
