Pope speaks on St. John Damascene and iconoclasts

May 06, 2009

At his regular weekly public audience on May 6, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the influence of St. John Damascene (675- 749), whose most lasting contribution to theology was his explanation of how sacred images and relics can be used to deepen the faith. The great Byzantine teacher-- who lived as Islam emerged forcibly to gain control of the Middle East-- explained that icons can be objects of veneration, reinforcing the adoration that is due to God alone. His response to the iconoclasts earned him the title of Doctor of the Church, the Pope said.

 

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Further information:

• St. John Damascene, a leading figure of Byzantine theology (VIS)