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The Pope Benedict XVI Reader

The Pope Benedict XVI Reader

by Pope Benedict XVI

Edited by Daniel Seseske

Foreword by Bishop Robert Barron

Format
Regular price $29.95 USD
Regular price $29.95 USD Sale price $29.95 USD
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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.

Details

Publisher: Word on Fire
ISBN: 9781943243754
Binding: Hardcover
Page count: 378
Dimensions: 6.25 x 9.25 (in)
Thickness: 1.25 (in)
Made in: United States
Language: English
Release date: Apr 16, 2021

About the Author

Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1927. He served as pope of the Catholic Church from April 19, 2005, to February 28, 2013. A prolific author, theologian, and university professor, Ratzinger participated in the Second Vatican Council as a theological advisor. He was named Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977 and was created a cardinal by Pope Paul VI later that same year. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served for twenty-four years until his election to the papacy. He is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders in recent history.

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Elderly man dressed in ornate gold and white religious vestments with red crosses and an embroidered mitre on his head.

About the Author

Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1927. He served as pope of the Catholic Church from April 19, 2005, to February 28, 2013. A prolific author, theologian, and university professor, Ratzinger participated in the Second Vatican Council as a theological advisor. He was named Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977 and was created a cardinal by Pope Paul VI later that same year. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served for twenty-four years until his election to the papacy. He is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders in recent history.

What People are Saying

Close-up portrait of a middle-aged man wearing glasses and clerical attire with a purple zucchetto, smiling against a dark background.

“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

Peter Seewald headshot

“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 Seewald, Author of Benedict XVI: A Life

Professional headshot of a man with glasses, short brown hair, wearing a dark suit, blue shirt, and red tie, against a blurred gray background.

“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

Tracey Rowland headshot

“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)

Matthew Ramage headshot

“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

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