The Apostles is a collection of the catecheses Pope Benedict XVI gave during his weekly General Audiences in 2006 and 2007. The talks were given in either St. Peter’s Square or, in less favorable weather, the Paul VI Hall next to St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Benedict has followed the tradition of John Paul II in organizing the General Audience talks according to themes and using them as an opportunity for a systematic teaching. Pope John Paul II’s formulation of the “Theology of the Body,” for example, was publicly articulated in General Audience talks from 1979 to 1984.
This teaching is rich in scriptural, historical, and theological content. In each presentation, the Pope takes care to indicate contemporary spiritual applications of each of his points — applications that are helpful to our faith as individuals and our lives as members of the Body of Christ, the Church. This study guide is offered to help readers of The Apostles deepen their understanding of the content offered and reflect on the contemporary applications.
This study guide was compiled by Amy Welborn and can be accessed at no cost at this link.
