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
Pázmány Péter Catholic University · Budapest, Hungary
Presentation of the third volume of Joseph Ratzinger’s Opera Omnia in Hungarian, exploring philosophical reason, culture, Europe, and society.
Organizers: Vatican Joseph Ratzinger–Benedict XVI Foundation and Pázmány Péter Catholic University
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
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
University of Vienna · Vienna, Austria
An international symposium on revelation, Scripture, and tradition as fundamental principles of Catholic theology in Joseph Ratzinger’s thought.
Organizers: Vatican Foundation, University of Vienna, and University of Augsburg
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
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
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
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.
