Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy [Hardcover]

Mary Ann Walsh (Author), King Abdullah II of Jordan (Foreword), President Shimon Peres of Israel (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2010

Benedict 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Published with the cooperation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this collection of personal reflections and essays highlighting the first five years of Benedict XVI’s papacy, amounts to little more than vigorous cheerleading by the home team. Divided into three sections, each essay falls under one of the designated papal categories of Pilgrim, Pastor, or Prophet. Accompanied by more than 100 full-color, official Vatican photographs this overview provides enough visual and spiritual manna to satisfy the obedient faithful. Scholars, critics, and inquiring Catholics will need to look elsewhere for a more balanced assessment of the pontiff, his mission, and his accomplishments. No compelling controversy here; recommended only for larger religion collections, and where the interest level is high. --Margaret Flanagan

Review

This 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 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Sheed & Ward (September 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580512348
• ISBN-13: 978-1580512343
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 8.1 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,263,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pope Benedict XVI November 16, 2010

By PP64249

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is beautiful in every way. The photographs are amazing, and the people who have written essays into the personality of Pope Benedict XVI are right on the money. He is the best thing that could have happened to this world.
I love the book and plan on giving one as a Christmas gift as well.