A world without God is a world without hope.
Analysis
The exact phrase appears in paragraph 2 of *Spe Salvi* ('Saved by Hope'), where Benedict XVI argues that hope is intrinsically tied to faith in God. The encyclical explicitly links the absence of God to the absence of hope, framing it as a theological assertion. No evidence suggests this is a misattribution or misquote.
Background
*Spe Salvi* is the second encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, published on November 30, 2007. It explores the Christian concept of hope, contrasting it with secular or materialist worldviews. The encyclical is part of the Catholic Church's official teaching.
Verdict summary
Pope Benedict XVI did state in *Spe Salvi* (2007) that 'a world without God is a world without hope.'
Sources consulted
— Vatican.va - *Spe Salvi* (2007), Paragraph 2: http://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html
— Libreria Editrice Vaticana (Official Publisher) - *Spe Salvi* Text
— Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1817-1821 on Hope)