The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced on Monday that they are releasing a new book on the Holy Father, intended to be “an unprecedented look into the first five years of Benedict's reign.” “Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy,” will be released on Sept. 19 by the USCCB along with Sheed & Ward, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
The new book provides a glimpse into the life and work of the Holy Father and will feature excerpts from his writings including reflections and quotes, more than 100 full-color photographs and a resource section.
The essays are divided into three parts: Part I Pilgrim, Part II Pastor, and Part III Prophet.
A press release on Sept. 13 stated that USCCB director of media relations Sr. Mary Ann Walsh edited the book, which also features forewords by King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Shimon Peres of Israel.
The new publication also contains articles by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Cardinal Francis George, USCCB president, and John Thavis, Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service.
"Pope Benedict's first five years reveal a man who can walk calmly through troubled times as he seeks to heal wounds and bring people together," Sr. Mary Ann Walsh noted.
“He has faced the searing sexual abuse scandal with compassion and moved head-on to meet inter-religious challenges to build understanding among diverse people.”
“He has addressed the problems of contemporary society and highlighted for the world the moral implications of environmentalism and the unequal distribution of the world's resources,” she added.
“He has urged the church to spread the Gospel both through witness and prayer and through every modern means of communication. He is a leader with the wisdom of years, and a graced theologian who helps men and women to take their rightful place in today's world.”
The USCCB announced that promotions with Borders and Barnes & Noble will take place in late September and early October and that the book will be available for purchase on Amazon.com or directly from the USCCB.SIC: CNA/USA