The Legacy of John Paul II: Images and Memories

by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Giancarlo Giuliani (Photographer)

Overview

This is a glorious volume from Joseph Ratzinger,(now Pope Benedict XVI), who pays tribute to his predecessor, mentor and close friend, Pope John Paul II. As Cardinal Ratzinger he was the closest Vatican prelate to John Paul II, working together with him for almost 25 years in the Vatican. When John Paul died, the world saw Cardinal Ratzinger speak so beautifully and eloquently at the pope's funeral, then at the Mass preceeding the Papal Conclave. Soon afterwards, the College of Cardinals quickly elected Ratzinger as John Paul's successor. This book unites these two great spiritual leaders in one powerful, deeply moving volume, complete with over 100 pages of truly inspiring, unique photos by Vatican photographer Giancarlo Giuliani (many never before published) of many striking and poignant moments of the pontificate of John Paul II as he traveled around the world. Ratzinger shares his many personal experiences and insights about this pontificate that changed the world. Illustrated.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781586171223
Publisher:	Ignatius Press
Publication date:	10/01/2005
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.94(w) x 9.78(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) is recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth. Prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Editorial Reviews

Filled with images taken by photojournalist Giuliani, this tribute to the late Pope John Paul II is destined for display on well-appointed Catholic coffee tables. Accompanied by text from John Paul himself; the new pope, Benedict XVI; and Leonardo Zega of Famiglia Cristiana magazine, the book cycles through the late pontiff's 26-year reign, calling particular attention to his extensive travels, which are listed along with his encyclicals and a chronology of his life. The photographs showing John Paul embracing children and at worship are among the most powerful in the collection. Other captivating images include one of the pope looking like a tribal leader in fringed vestments as he emerges from an Indian tent during a 1987 visit to Canada, and another of him sporting a construction worker's hardhat on a 1988 trip to Bolivia. Giuliani's photographs, many of which are being published for the first time, also capture the late pontiff at work, in meetings with world leaders and in vulnerable moments like the 1981 attempt on his life. Pope Benedict's contribution comprises reflections written at the 10-year and 20-year marks of John Paul's papacy and the homily he delivered at the pope's funeral. John Paul's charismatic appeal should make this visual memoir popular among Catholic readers. (Nov.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly