We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI

by Matthew E. Bunson

Book Overview

Who is Pope Benedict XVI? "After the great John Paul II, the cardinals elected me, a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord." With those gentle words, Pope Benedict XVI greeted the faithful... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592761801
• ISBN13: 9781592761807
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

First book to read about Pope Benedict

Dr. Bunson does a magnificent job of covering the transition from Pope John Paul to Pope Benedict. He gives a thorough treatment of the issues the cardinals had to wrestle with going in to the conclave and gives insight into the process. In the last part of the book he provides a brief but thorough biography of the pope and great insight into how the pope's background and convictions may shape his papacy. Some nice features include: the full text of his first two homilies as pope; two appendixes that cover the entire bibliography of works in English by the pope as well as a list of all popes; a glossary of terms; great color photos of the pope. I am amazed that such a thorough treatment of the transition and issues came out in such a short period of time. Even though I followed the events closely, this volume is fresh and provided new insights. This book was not thrown together -- it is clearly the work of someone who reflected deeply on the transition and has a thorough knowledge of the Vatican and the man who is pope. I have read several of Benedict's own works, but wish I would have read this first. It really helps to put the other writings in context. Thank you Dr. Bunson!

A wonderful synopsis and introduction to our new Holy Father

For those of us glued to our television sets during this Spring's events during the passing of Pope John Paul II and the election of our new Holy Father, Benedict XVI, this book brings back many touching memories of a special time in our Church's history. Matthew Bunson, Catholic author and historian, has given us a timely (but not rushed) account of this transitional time. Highlights of the book include a chronology of Benedict XVI's place in the Church history timeline, a first-person retelling of the funeral, conclave and election process and events, lovely and high quality color photos, and a look ahead at the Church our new Pope will lead into the future. Also included are a comprehensive list of the Pope's prior publications, a complete list of popes, and a helpful glossary. Bunson's book is well written, highly detailed but also very readable. A book to enjoy today and to share with our children in the future when we recount our memories of this special time.

Reliable Guide

Bunson has written an orthodox and thus reliable guide to the great events of April 2005. He also provides analysis of the challenges facing the Church and the likely course of the new papacy, with appropriate humility. In contrast to the wildly inaccuarate prognostications of the secular media and liberal Catholics, Bunson is able to put his finger on what was really going on in the conclave: a move to challenge the relativism that threatens the truth. The best part of the book is Bunson's detailed biographical information on our new Pope. The book even includes a list of books by former Cardinal Ratzinger that are available in English. Read Bunson's book first and then begin the intellectual and faith adventure of reading the treasures that have come from the pen of our new Pope.

A Benedict XVI Primer

Bunson's book went to press in early May during the first weeks of Benedict's new pontificate and serves the general reader as a "Benedict Primer". There is information on the last days of Pope John Paul II, the unforgettable funeral Mass, the conclave, and the many accomplishments of the priest/theologian/cardinal who became Benedict XVI. Bunson also includes an eighty-year timeline that shows the intersection of various cultural milestones with events in Benedict's life. Included are lengthy excerpts from key speeches and homilies and coverage of the high points of then-Cardinal Ratzinger's tenure as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the arm of the Church responsible for protecting truths that come to us ultimately from Christ and the Apostles. Kudos to Mr. Bunson; having such a well-written book on our new Pope available so soon is a major feat. It likely will serve as a reference for future writers wanting a description of the historic events that surrounded Easter 2005.

Get to Know Pope Benedict XVI

Great primer on who the new pope really is...plus an excellent overview of what has transpired in the last month at the Vatican.The book begins with an overview of what led up to the election of Benedict, his first addresses and an overview of his life. I found the issues facing the papacy both in the section entitled "The Vacant See" and at the end of the book where the author Matt Bunson details how the Pope is likely to handle these issues fascinating. The book also includes a list of popes dating back to St. Peter, as well as a very helpful glossary.