Description
Book SynopsisBenedict XVI is an extraordinary presentation of the first five years of Benedict's leadership as pope. The book provides an unprecedented look into the life and work of the Holy Father, with images that show him both in formal, public appearances and in intimate moments alone and with others. Elegantly designed and produced, the book features more than 100 brilliant full-color photos that illustrate the Pope's international travels and meetings with world leaders, as well as his contact with lay Catholics and moments of personal study or contemplation. Essays by the staff of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explore key themes of Benedict's papacy, including his work on environmental issues and in the Middle East, and personal reflections from friends and church leaders reveal his profoundly human side. The book also features excerpts from Benedict's own writings and an essential resource section. Benedict XVI is an invaluable keepsake and resource for Catholics, spiritual seekers, and those interested in how Catholicism touches the world today.
Trade ReviewThis is both a beautifully illustrated and a skillfully edited work that celebrates the first five years of Pope Benedict's pontificate. The official Vatican photographs, including many candid shots, truly capture the human and pastoral side of the 83-year-old Holy Father, as he exercises the various responsibilities of his universal ministry. The pope is shown here as a loving man, a benevolent priest, and a diplomatic world leader. The accompanying text enhances the photography by providing personal anecdotes, experiences, essays, and reflections by 25 men and women, including such noted figures as King Abdullah of Jordan, President Shimon Peres of Israel, and Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. The book, with its pictorial essays, is divided into three sections that characterize the pilgrim, pastoral, and prophetic role of Pope Benedict. It includes chronologies from his early life and ministry as Joseph Ratzinger and his time as pope, an annotated listing of his major publications since his election, brief biographies of the contributors to this book, and a helpful index. VERDICT Recommended for public and Catholic church libraries. * Library Journal *
Accompanied by more than 100 full-color, official Vatican photographs this overview provides enough visual and spiritual manna to satisfy the obedient faithful. Recommended. * Booklist *
It is a splendid book. . . . It brings the man who is Pope closer to us still. -- Michael Sean Winters * National Catholic Reporter *
This collection is a great commemoration and a wonderful keepsake. * Newsok *
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTIONS Greeting from the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, Vatican City Foreword, King Abdullah II of Jordan Foreword, President Shimon Peres of Israel Preface, Cardinal Francis George, OMI, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pope Benedict XVI: First Five Years of Papacy, John Thavis Personal Reflections Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati PART I: PILGRIM Essays Unity: A Key Priority Europe: Strength, Struggle China: Catholics Together Finding God in Everyone Message from the Blue Mosque Healing for Christians and Jews On the Road Africa: Reconciliation, Justice, Peace A Continental Mission: Stand for the Poor With Youth: Ever the Catechist Papal Visit 2008: Christ Our Hope Personal Reflections Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis Archbishop Timothy Broglio for the Military Services USA Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago Nancy Wiechec, Visual Media Manager, Catholic News Service Sister Mary Ann Walsh, RSM, Director of Media Relations, USCCB Helen Osman, Secretary for Communications, USCCB PART II: PASTOR Essays Giving the Look of Love They Crave Turning to Altötting, Inspired by Mary Arms of the Man The Teachable Garment Music: Joy to His World The Word Has a Face, the Person, Christ Pope Benedict XVI, Model Liturgist Mass Participation from Within Shepherding Cats The Heart of a Disciple Quaerere Deum, to Seek God Priesthood Rooted in Prayer Searing Pain of Abuse Personal Reflections Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Cardinal John Foley, Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston PART III: PROPHET Part 46 Essays Caritas in Veritate Ethics and Economics First Justice, Then Charity Human Rights Human Life and Bioethics The Peace Pope Migration: A Sign of the Times Leading the Green Revolution "Friending" Is Evangelizing Family: Basis for Society Faith and Political Life A Challenge to Catholic Educators Hope for Today Personal Reflections Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston RESOURCES The Life and Ministry of Pope Benedict XVI Key Writings of Pope Benedict Contributors Acknowledgments Index
