Pope Benedict XVI: Biography

In John Allen's riveting biography, he attempts to unravel the central enigma surrounding Joseph Ratzinger: How did this erstwhile Vatican II liberal end up as the chief architect of the suppression of progressive voices in the church? In a detailed examination of Ratzinger's childhood and early academic career, Allen finds the seeds of Ratzinger's later conservatism. Growing up "in the shadow of Hitler" taught Ratzinger that only a strong, centralized church could combat totalitarianism. His early theological heroes-Augustine, Bonaventure, and (surprisingly) Martin Luther - tended to be more"world denying" than the more "life- affirming" Thomas Aquinas. Still,at the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Ratzinger was linked to the progressive faction. For Allen, what changed Ratzinger from a liberal to a conservative was, in part, the student uprisings of 1968. "By 1969" writes Allen, "when Ratzinger departded (the University of) Tubingen for (the University of) Regensburg, the essentials of his more pessimistic, conservative outlook were in place."

Mansfield provides a portrait that suggests the very theme of the new papacy:Benedict XVI will be the great caretaker.He will sustain the return to tradition marked by John Paul,and he will-so early signs suggest-seek to reevangelize Europe.For all the talk of Catholicism gravitating to Africa and Latin America,the choice of Benedict XVI unmistakably indicates the intent to preserve and rebuild Catholicism on the continent.

For the first time in a quarter century, the world has a new pope. While people around the world struggle to understand the brilliant and enigmatic Joseph Ratzinger, Heinz-Joachim Fischer offers us this first-hand account of the Pope's astonishing life and ministry: from his early days in Germany to his meteoric rise as Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, confidant of Pope John Paul II, and the first new pope of the 21st Century. Dr. Fischer is the ideal biographer of the new Pope. As a theologically trained journalist, a friend of Ratzinger,and the 25-year Vatican correspondent for Germany's leading daily newspaper, Fischer understands the life and work of this complex church leader as well as the challenges and questions that confront Benedict XVI in his new role.

This introductory book on the pope presents a short biography of Joseph Ratzinger in both a human and a historical context.Starting with the pope's early years in Bavaria and his youth during the Second World War,it then outlines his academic career,how the student riots of 1968 transformed him from a liberal to a conservative theologian, his time at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,and some of the more dramatic and public interventions he made in that position.Finally,the book looks at the opening days of his pontificate and-form statements,homilies,and addresses delivered during that time-assesses the likely pattern of the papacy of Benedict XVI.

The stunning election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI marks one of the most important events of the twenty-first century.Now,the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads.While the world's faithful mourn the loss of the extraordinary John Paul II,all eyes turn to the new bishop of Rome.Award-winning author Greg Tobin captures this unique moment in time in a special keepsake for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.In vibrant detail,Holy Father explores the history of the papacy and the life and times of the former Cardinal Ratzinger-from his family and childhood,to his ordination as bishop,to the historuc two- day conclave that elected him the newest Succesor of Peter.

"Benedict of Bavaria" is the first book of its kind to demonstrate the authentic influence Bavarian culture has had on the development of Pope Benedict XVI's life and thought.Using predominantly German sources,Brennan Pursell,a professor of history and a frequent visitor to Bavaria,thoroughly researched the life of this humble man.He found that the Pope's Bavarian heritage,like his Catholic faith,is an integral part of who he is.Bavaria is a place where the local culture is steeped in all things Catholic-in fact,it is the most Catholic region of Germany.Joseph Ratzinger absorbed these influences consciously and unconsciously and came to treasure them.He also acquired other Bavarian traits-a reverence for tradition and continuity;a style of worship in which the focus is always on God and not on one's self;a love for beauty; and a steadfast devotion for one's homeland.

In the person of Benedict XVI,the Church has a Pope who is ine of the most significant of Europe's intellectuals.The journalist Peter Seewald,who has known Ratzinger since 1992,conducted the "longest interviews in Church history" with him, for two books that were world-wide best -sellers,"Salt of the Earth,and "God and the World". Now,for the first time,Seewald describes these intensive encounters in detail,and draws an engaging portrait of this brilliant theologian and pastor who has put his life entirely at the service of God and his Church.This book is also the story of a long dialogue that changed Seewald's own life. Many people are trying to understand who Benedict XVI really is.On one point they all agree:in the person of Joseph Ratzinger,the chair of Peter is occupied by one of the most brilliant minds in the world.Peter Seewald's portrait of Benedict recounts details about the personality and life of Benedict that were hitherto generally unknown.

A memoir by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, tells of his family life, the years of the Nazi oppression and of the war, his extraordinary academic path, and his participation in the Second Vatican Council.