” “Ireneo’s "genuine concept of Apostolic Tradition", which "is not traditionalism", was synthesized by the Pope through three points: "The apostolic tradition is public; it is neither private, nor secret. The content of the faith transmitted by the Church is the one received from the Apostles and from God. There is no other teaching than this. Faith is unique in its fundamental contents. It is pneumatic, that is, led by the Holy Spirit. Actually, it is not a transmission entrusted to the skills of more or less cultured men, but to the Spirit of God, which makes tradition a divine reality. This is the "life" of the Church, making the Church always young and fresh, that is, full of numerous charismas". Therefore, following Ireneo’s teaching, "the faith of the Church must be transmitted in such a way that it will appear as it should be: public, unique, and pneumatic". According to Benedict XVI, starting from each of those characteristics, "it is possible to carry out a fruitful judgement about the real transmission of faith by the Church, today". "Following Ireneo’s doctrine it was the conclusion, – the dignity of man is firmly anchored to divine creation, through the image of Christ and the permanent sanctification work of the Spirit. Such doctrine is like a ‘main road’ for us, to clear up, together with all the people, the subject and the borders of the dialogue on values, and to give ever new energy to the missionary action of the Church".” ” ” ” ” “
