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Truth is not determined by a majority vote.

Pope Benedict XVI

Homily at the Mass for the Inauguration of his Pontificate, 2005 · Checked on 7 August 2026
Truth is not determined by a majority vote.

Analysis

The statement is a direct quote from Pope Benedict XVI's homily during the Mass for the Inauguration of his Pontificate on April 24, 2005. The full context emphasizes that truth is not subject to democratic consensus but is rooted in divine and moral principles. The Vatican's official records and transcripts confirm the accuracy of this quote.

Background

Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) served as the head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. His inaugural homily outlined his vision for the Church, stressing the importance of truth, love, and faith over relativism or popular opinion.

Verdict summary

Pope Benedict XVI did state that 'Truth is not determined by a majority vote' in his 2005 inaugural homily.

Sources consulted

— Vatican Official Transcript: Homily of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Mass for the Inauguration of the Pontificate (April 24, 2005)
— L'Osservatore Romano (Vatican Newspaper) - April 25, 2005
— Catholic News Agency: 'Full Text of Pope Benedict XVI’s Inaugural Homily' (2005)