1. DO NOW: DEFINE “RELATIVISM” (TEXT PAGES 186-187) Chapter 17 ~ lesson 2

2. Concept: What important work did Pope John Paul II do?

3. Chapter 17 ~ lesson 2 The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a book of a clear presentation of the truths of the Church. Pope John Paul II chose Cardinal Ratzinger as chairman. In 1992, The CCC, was published. It was Pope John Paul II’s greatest accomplishments. In 1998, issued the encyclical “Fides et Ratio,” to address the topic of faith and reason; something that has concerned philosophers since “The Enlightenment.” For 24 years, Cardinal Ratzinger held the position of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. When John Paul II died in April of 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger presided over the conclave as the Head of the College of Cardinals.

4. Chapter 17 ~ lesson 2 On the 2 nd day of the conclave, and after only casting 4 secret ballots, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope. The Pope is not an absolute monarch. The pope must uphold the laws of the Church, not his ideas. The pope urges Catholics to stand up for the truth in the face of todays “culture of relativism.” Pope Benedict XVI continued with Pope John Paul II’s initiative of World Youth Day.

5. Chapter 17 ~lesson 2 Questions: 1. How long did Pope John Paul II serve as Pope? 2. Who is Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger? 3. Who was elected Pope after Pope John Paul II? What name did he choose as Pope and why did he choose this name?