On 31 December 2022, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger in Bavaria, died at the age of 95. Paul van Geest, Professor of Theology and Economics, appeared in several media outlets to speak about the passing of Benedict XVI, the development of his position within the Catholic Church during his lifetime, and his legacy.
Van Geest, who is in a special position to speak about popes and the papacy - both because of his extensive academic background in theology, as well as his close ties with the Vatican, and the fact that he has met Benedict XVI on several occasions - has shared his knowledge and insight after receiving several invitations.
On television, for instance, he contributed to a retrospective by NPO 1, NOS Nieuwsuur; to an in memoriam by NPO 2, KRO-NCRV; and an episode of Tijd voor Max by Omroep MAX dedicated to the funeral of the Pope Emeritus. He also spoke on radio, in an interview by David Boogerd of NPO Radio 1; and in an interview by Ad Megens of Radio 1, NOS Journaal. Van Geest also appeared extensively in text-based media outlets, appearing twice in Trouw; first in an interview by Marije van beek, and later in an interview by Pauline Valkenet. Furthermore, he appeared in NRC and with NOS.
Themes discussed included Benedict's position as a sharp theologian, and criticised administrator; the age-old protocol of a pope's burial; and his visionary aspects.