The Church does not impose, she proposes.
Analyse
The exact phrase appears in the official English translation of his speech, where he emphasizes the Church's role in offering moral guidance rather than coercion. The statement aligns with his broader theological stance on faith and reason. No credible sources dispute the attribution.
Achtergrond
Pope Benedict XVI addressed the German Bundestag on September 22, 2011, discussing the foundations of law and morality. The speech was part of his apostolic journey to Germany and reflected his intellectual engagement with secular governance.
Samenvatting verdict
Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) did state 'The Church does not impose, she proposes' in his 2011 address to the German Bundestag.
Geraadpleegde bronnen
— Vatican Official Text: Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Bundestag (2011)
— Catholic News Agency: Full Text of Pope’s Speech to German Parliament (2011)
— L’Osservatore Romano: Transcript of the Bundestag Address (2011)