This is both a beautifully illustrated and a skillfully edited work that celebrates the first five years of Pope Benedict's pontificate. The official Vatican photographs, including many candid shots, truly capture the human and pastoral side of the 83-year-old Holy Father, as he exercises the various responsibilities of his universal ministry. The pope is shown here as a loving man, a benevolent priest, and a diplomatic world leader. The accompanying text enhances the photography by providing personal anecdotes, experiences, essays, and reflections by 25 men and women, including such noted figures as King Abdullah of Jordan, President Shimon Peres of Israel, and Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. The book, with its pictorial essays, is divided into three sections that characterize the pilgrim, pastoral, and prophetic role of Pope Benedict. It includes chronologies from his early life and ministry as Joseph Ratzinger and his time as pope, an annotated listing of his major publications since his election, brief biographies of the contributors to this book, and a helpful index. VERDICT Recommended for public and Catholic church libraries.
Library Journal
Accompanied by more than 100 full-color, official Vatican photographs this overview provides enough visual and spiritual manna to satisfy the obedient faithful. Recommended.
Booklist
It is a splendid book. . . . It brings the man who is Pope closer to us still.
Michael Sean Winters
National Catholic Reporter
This collection is a great commemoration and a wonderful keepsake.
Newsok