The Cross is the approbation of our existence, not in words, but in an act so completely radical that it caused God to become flesh and pierced this flesh to the quick; that, to God, it was worth the death of his incarnate Son.

In this quote, "The Cross is the approbation of our existence, not in words, but in an act so completely radical that it caused God to become flesh and pierced this flesh to the quick; that, to God, it was worth the death of his incarnate Son," Pope Benedict XVI reflects on the profound significance of the Crucifixion in Christian theology. The Cross symbolizes not just a symbol of suffering but also God's radical act of affirming the value and meaning of human life. Rather than merely stating His love for humanity, God demonstrates it through the incarnation of His Son and His willing sacrifice on the Cross.

The term "approbation" refers to God's approval or affirmation of humanity, and Benedict suggests that this approval is given not through mere words, but through the most extreme and self-sacrificial act possible: the death of Jesus Christ. This radical act represents a universal statement about the worth of human existence, affirming that humanity is valuable enough to justify the sacrifice of God's own Son. This deep commitment to humanity's worth is at the heart of the Christian faith.

Pope Benedict XVI, a prominent theologian and former Pope, often explored the relationship between God and humanity through the lens of the Incarnation and the Crucifixion. His reflections on the Cross emphasize the deeply transformative nature of Christ’s death, not just as an event in history, but as a theological act that has profound implications for understanding human worth, suffering, and the nature of God’s love.

Ultimately, this quote underscores the radical nature of God's love for humanity, which is demonstrated in the most extreme act possible: the death of Jesus on the Cross. For Pope Benedict XVI, the Cross is not just a symbol of suffering but also a declaration of the infinite worth of human life, affirming that each individual is loved by God, even to the point of the ultimate sacrifice.