The Pope Benedict XVI Reader
The Pope Benedict XVI Reader
Edited by Daniel Seseske
Foreword by Bishop Robert Barron
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It is difficult to overestimate the impact that Pope Benedict XVI has had on the Catholic Church. He served the people of God as a priest, an advisor at the Second Vatican Council, a bishop, a cardinal, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the 265th pope. But in addition to his influence as a churchman, Joseph Ratzinger also stands out as one of the most significant thinkers in recent history. He is the author of more than sixty books, numerous articles, and countless homilies. Catholics and non-Catholics alike have been inspired and challenged by his theological writings.
For many people, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Pope Benedict XVI Reader offers a point of entry for those seeking a deeper engagement with his teachings, whether you have read little of his work or have enjoyed it for years. This wide-ranging collection draws together some of the finest excerpts from Ratzinger’s interviews, speeches, audiences, homilies, and books, with insights on a variety of topics, including the Trinity, the person of Jesus Christ, the Church, Mary and the saints, the Bible, the liturgy, prayer, the Second Vatican Council, and the challenge of living the faith in the modern world. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of a man whose legacy of scholarly erudition, pastoral gentleness, and deep and abiding love for Christ and his Church continues to awe the world.
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What People are Saying
“Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is, quite simply, one of the most important Catholics of the last hundred and fifty years. I hope this book might function not only as a summation of his thought but, more importantly, as a humble tribute to him.”
—Bishop Robert Barron, Founder, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
“Benedict XVI is quite rightly referred to by many experts as a doctor of the Church of the modern age. He provided an accurate analysis of the Christian faith and of today’s society, and at the same time indicated the way out of the crisis in which we find ourselves. Joseph Ratzinger was never one to guard the ashes, but rather the fire. He remains a great sage of the Church, a spiritual master who introduces us to the art of living. The Pope Benedict XVI Reader gives us the opportunity to see the broad spectrum of his work and to be inspired by the depth of his words and principles.”
—Peter Seward, Author of Benedict XVI: A Life
“This book puts forward the central writings of the greatest theologian of our times. Here we find a gracious thinker who has been illuminated by the Logos, Jesus Christ, and who helps us meet this loving Lord in the Scriptures and the liturgy, deepening our faith through touching its very source. Word on Fire has given us a treasure!”
—Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
“This is the Ratzinger equivalent of a highlights disc. Within the pages of one book readers can find his best arias, most famous overtures, and his hauntingly pure slow-movement adagios. These excerpts are an opportunity to access the mind and heart of the master theologian of our age. Every Catholic home should have a copy of this book..”
—Tracey Rowland, John Paul II Chair of Theology, University of Notre Dame (Australia)
“This magnificent collection of Joseph Ratzinger’s writings will provide a firm foundation for those looking for an accessible entry point to this theological giant’s vast corpus. To those already familiar with Benedict’s thought, the book’s wide sampling of genres and topics will put the immense achievements of his oeuvre into context and likely reveal some new gems—particularly given that this up-to-date anthology uniquely includes texts from across Ratzinger’s career and even some lesser-known content penned after the end of his pontificate.”
— Matthew Ramage, Associate Professor of Theology at Benedictine College