Benedict XVI

by Rupert Shortt

For decades before his election, Pope Benedict XVI was known across the world as an unwavering upholder of Catholic orthodoxy. Critics charged him with high-handedness, and even likened the Vatican department he ran to the KGB. His backers hailed him as a courteous, deeply intelligent figure whose concern to rein in relativism and other forms of dissent appeared timely. Both sides agreed that he was the single most important enforcer of John Paul II's policies, and that intellectually, he towers over most of his recent predecessors. What kind of a man is Benedict XVI behind the slogans? What were the influences that shaped him, and how might the Catholic Church evolve under his leadership? Written for the general reader, this book aims to answer these and other questions, including the puzzle over the then Joseph Ratzinger's disavowal of his youthful liberalism from the late 1960s onwards. Following the approach adopted in his study of Archbishop Rowan Williams, Rupert Shortt summarises the Pope's thought in the course of a biographical narrative. The assessment he provides will help dispel the stereotypes and misunderstandings that often mark discussion of church affairs generally.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340909056
• ISBN13: 9780340909058
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 1.0" x 1.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to the new pope

Although only 140 pages, this is an excellent and thorough book about the new pope, Joseph Ratzinger. It gives relatively brief information about his early years and youth, rather concentrating on Ratzinger as a power within the Catholic church as Prefect, a noted theologian and apologist, and from his position of authority within the CDF (the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). There is a significant focus on some of his decisions made within the CDF and his strong, possibly ruthless role on many occasions within that. Ratzinger's theology is presented in such a way that quite complex thought can be understood, and within the wider context of other thinkers, both Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, of that era. Although discussing the shortcomings of the man, particularly in his pastoral role, and highlighting decisions that many have questioned, the overall portrait is that of a humble man whose love of the Church has been the mainstay of his life. An excellent read.