Washington D.C., Jan 2, 2023 / 11:00 am (CNA).
In the days after news spread that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was nearing the end of his life, a number of Catholic converts shared that they came to faith through the writing and teachings of the late pope.
Sohrab Ahmari, a founder and editor of Compact, wrote in a New York Times op-ed that his conversion from Islam to Catholicism was “in large part inspired by Benedict’s writings.”
In an interview with EWTN, Ahmari said that Benedict was the person most responsible for his conversion:
“Pope Benedict’s writings mean a great deal to me as a convert to the faith. I wrote in my memoir more than any one human person, #PopeBenedict is to one whom I owe my soul..” @SohrabAhmari @compactmag_ on #PopeEmeritusBenedictXVI and his legacy 🙏 https://t.co/Y7hxRTw4Xp
— Tracy Sabol (@TracySabolDC) December 29, 2022
Tod Worner, managing editor of the Word on Fire Institute’s “Evangelization & Culture,” wrote in his blog that he read his way into the Catholic Church, thanks to Pope Benedict XVI.
“After years of being a Protestant who dismissed the Church and disdained the papacy, I was shocked by the beauty, clarity, and wisdom offered by this old priest from Bavaria. The moment I tried to be fair to him, I began to be fond of him. And my fondness has never ceased.
“To be sure, Pope Francis is our pope. And I love him for it. But Pope Benedict XVI? He will always be my pope — the pope who brought me into the Church,” Worner wrote.
Troy Guy, author of “Evangelical Catholic,” shared his conversion story on Twitter when news broke that Benedict was gravely ill:
I was anti-Catholic Protestant for 25 years, but discovered that Jesus established His Church in the 1st century, which is the Catholic Church. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was instrumental in my conversion.
Please pray for him! 🙏✝️🙏#PopeBenedictXVI #PopeBenedict #Catholic pic.twitter.com/8GwE0NJJQu
— Troy L. Guy (@CatholicTroy) December 28, 2022
Here are a few of the many testimonials posted on social media from those who said Benedict helped lead them to the Catholic Church and from those who found their way back to the faith thanks to the late pope:
Such was my excitement, that I wrote to Pope Benedict XVI about my conversion; in return I was sent a rosary blessed by the Holy Father…
A rosary I will cherish forever https://t.co/Ifilf45TUJ pic.twitter.com/TVclU9uLqa
— Cam ✟ (@custosdefuncti) December 31, 2022
So saddened to hear of our great loss. Benedict XVI was pivotal in my own conversion to Catholicism.
Farewell to Benedict XVI: ‘Humble worker in vineyard of the Lord’ – Vatican News https://t.co/ZphLGAnrU5
— Barry Schoedel (@BarrySchoedel) December 31, 2022
Pope Benedict XVI was tremendously important in bringing about my conversion. One of my most prized possessions is a letter from one of his secretaries passing on an assurance of a remembrance in His Holiness’s prayers. I hope I can return the favour for him now.
— 🇬🇧🇻🇦🇰🇾 Geoꝛᵹe Peꞇer Maꝛꞇyr ن (@tiberisnatator) December 28, 2022
Hannah O’Connor from Rhode Island credits Pope Benedict as being instrumental in her conversion during college, where “we read a lot of Ratzinger.”@OSVNews https://t.co/ES4P2Wfl9y
— The Dialog (@TheDialogWilm) January 2, 2023
He was Pope during my conversion. As I was getting started I remember kneeling with those mourning the passing of Pope Saint John Paul The Great. I was reading Pope Benedict XVI during my RCIA. His books and what I could download. Hang tough, rottweiller!! pic.twitter.com/SoVroDROsq
— rachel campbell (@anonrc) December 28, 2022
Pope Benedict was very influential to my conversion to the faith. Pray for the repose of his soul. May God bless the Church with holy priests like him. pic.twitter.com/v7bZSsNAJp
— Matt Sisk (@siscomatt11) December 31, 2022
Pope Benedict XVI’s election was pivotal to my conversion. It all started with him.
— The Four Marks (@TheFourMarks) December 29, 2022
I feel the need to share publicly that Benedict unlocked me, intellectually at first, then spiritually, in a way that set off a long but beautiful path of conversion for both myself and my formerly Shite Muslim wife.
For which I am eternally grateful. https://t.co/KmuV0lewMU— TheLegalProcess (v2.0 | Post-Election Ed) (@ALegalProcess) December 31, 2022
I have tremendous love and respect for Pope Benedict XIV. In a very real way, I owe my conversion to his benevolent decision to issue Summorum Pontificum.
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.
— Jeremy Christiansen (@TradVat2) December 31, 2022
Requiescat
Pope Benedict XVI’s writings were formative in my conversion. I have little doubt that he has gone quickly to the Lord. https://t.co/JpzD7O2T54— stupid idiot 🧐 (@stuuupid_idiot) December 31, 2022
He had a great part in my conversion. Ultimately it was the Church Fathers & the Real Presence in the Eucharist but Pope Benedict’s books and other teachings have a depth to them but yet easy to understand that swayed me as well. Thank you to Pope Benedict XVI!
— KathyLynnLeah✝ (@KathyLynnRN) December 29, 2022
Pope Benedict, maybe more than anyone, was responsible for my conversion.
— Yancy Evans (@gallandro1) December 31, 2022
Like many people, I owe my Catholic faith in large part to Pope Benedict, whose writings I read avidly during my journeying/conversion years. His deep humility, devotion, and gentle but firm way of speaking the truth were such a powerful witness. 1/3
— Clementine Bayswater (@CBayswater) December 31, 2022
Pope Benedict XVI and his works played a large role in my conversion to the Catholic Church. I will be eternally grateful for him.
— Kenneth Floyd (@Kfloyd1890) December 31, 2022
I’ll never forget his visit to the UK, as I was in the early days of my conversion to the Catholic faith. He inspired me with his reason, his humility, and his love for Our Lord. I’ll miss Pope Benedict dearly.
— Mike Stone (@MikeSto22357070) December 31, 2022
I was an adult convert convert at age 30 after a lifetime of agnosticism/atheism. Pope Benedict’s steadfast adherence to the faith and unapologetic orthodoxy was a great inspiration to my conversion.
— Cornelius Panda, 998th Earl of Buxom (@Kleinfeldtotron) December 29, 2022
I was not a convert. But, Pope Benedict XVI helped me to come back to the right track. I love him. I haven’t read all his writings but the ones I have, really helped me. Long Live Pope Benedict XVI!!
— Voice in the Desert ⚔️🛡️✝️🇺🇲 (@floresdx) December 30, 2022
I came back to the faith under Pope Benedict XVI and his thought and pontificate formed my understanding of liturgy and priesthood. I pray that he may pass peacefully to eternal life.
— Father Ian VanHeusen (@ianvanheusen) December 29, 2022
cheers, Pope Benedict XVI.
his work is one of the things that brought me back to Christianity. im thankful for that. pic.twitter.com/0RT7uOTtWN
— дса pождество какус 🍞 🍷🌹 (@dsaorthocaucus) December 31, 2022
For my last tweet of 2022. I would be remiss if I didn’t pay my respects to the passing of Pope Benedict, a great man, and an inspiration to me and my spiritual journey. May he receive his eternal reward.
— Dave Greene (@GreeneMan6) January 1, 2023
I converted to Catholicism in 2008, and Papa Ratzinger’s writings were one of my formative influences. I have *so* much to thank him for, as does the whole Church. Pray for Benedict XVI.
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace. Amen. 😢 pic.twitter.com/wDSk2ToXYM— Matthew Hazell (@M_P_Hazell) December 31, 2022
I already miss Pope Benedict XVI. May he rest in peace. I converted during his pontificate. I will always feel a special connection to him.
— Nicholas 🇻🇦 (@ora_et_labora_) December 31, 2022
Tim Stanley on Thought for the Day just now said that he converted to Catholicism “shortly before [Benedict] became pope”. Benedict became pope in April 2005. In this August 2015 piece, Stanley says he converted “ten years ago this month”, so August 2005. https://t.co/1HSIsEndyA
— David Turnbull (@davidturnbull) January 2, 2023
Pope Benedict was an amazingly courageous, strong, joyful, and holy man. He had a tremendous impact on my faith journey. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/P0N8Q7x3QP
— Joshua Fruend (@jfruend99) December 31, 2022
Long before I was Catholic, I saw Pope Benedict XVI speak in Rome.
The mark he left on me would be the start of my journey into the one true church.
As I sit here today, a Catholic, I thank God for Pope Benedict XVI.
Requiescet in pace, Holy Father pic.twitter.com/QMKlmokay3
— Ox-Cart Man (@boundbrass) December 31, 2022
Let us pray for the great conservative Pope who converted me, Benedict XVI, as he nears Death’s Door.
— Gregory Sheffield (@GregSheffield) December 31, 2022
Pope Benedict XVI was the Holy Father when I converted to Catholicism in 2010, and his pastoral example helped shape my faith.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. pic.twitter.com/0FcKI90vOg
— Ian Patrick Hines (@ianpatrickhines) December 31, 2022
My journey to Catholicism would have been much longer and it’s conclusion much less certain if not for Benedict XVI. I may not agree with him on the council but may he rest in the peace of Our Lord
— Thomas 🇷🇺 (@PatriarchPius) December 31, 2022
While I didn’t begin/finish RCIA until 2015, I began my journey to catholicism under Benedict.
— Ken (@g8rken2) December 31, 2022
When I converted to Catholicism in 2009-10, I read Benedict XVI’s book Jesus of Nazareth, probably the 1st full-length book I read by a Catholic. That book in particular and his papacy in general meant a lot to me then and still does today. He’ll always be my favorite pope. RIP
— Matt Watson (@mateowatson) December 31, 2022
Pope Benedicts profound wisdom, depth of prayer and tender humility inspired so much of my faith that I converted to Rome eleven years ago. His writings reflect great beauty and sensitivity in him, & I ended up buying all the books by him and about him. I pray he receives mercy.
— David Stankiewicz (@DavidStankiewi4) December 28, 2022
I converted from Methodism 30 years ago, guided primarily by Athanasius, Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, Newman, Gilson, Chesterton, Jaki, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. Christopher Dawson, Scott Hahn, Josef Pieper, & Edward Feser reinforced what they had taught me.
— Andre van Heerden (@AndrevanHeerde2) December 29, 2022
Faith is never a perfectly linear journey; instead, there are ups and downs and even moments of doubt. But I owe, entirely, the strength of my faith today and love of the Church to Benedict XVI. Let us remember him in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/OCb1D82rxO
— Matthew Santucci (@tucci1925) December 29, 2022
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Wow. I’m not a convert, except in the sense that I had to shed the totally erroneous impression of BXVI that I had absorbed from the MSM before I could appreciate him. RIP.
So many great tributes to the man I knew I would never meet in person, but I prayed I could meet after this life. Like so many others, I owe my faith to God’s graces thru this man’s writings. My wife,being raised a Baptist, so dearly loved his Jesus of Nazareth books, that she has grown in the faith far beyond me. I pray now that he will intercede for us in our hopes for the Church. He can now finally be free of the struggles of our Church, and really help it thru our prayers.
Thank you Lord for changing this heart of stone 30 year Catholic and giving me a heart of flesh for your purposes and glory. I never would have left it it wasn’t for your predestined grace and mercy. I thank you for the painful circumstances at the time, but I see your plan very clearly. To God be the glory forever!!