Habemus Papam!: Pope Benedict XVI

by Regina Doman, Sean Lam (Illustrator)

Told through an authentic manga-style book, this is the story of an extraordinary young man who thought he was ordinary. Young Josef Ratzinger faces a number of challenges growing up in German Bavaria: all he wants to do is learn, but the Nazis keep closing down his schools. His father, Captain Ratzinger, a retired police officer, has been trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazis, but as Josef grows older, Germany moves towards war, and every German youth must serve in the army Hitler has taken over. Little does Josef realize that the plan God has for him goes beyond books and the academy - and even beyond Germany! This graphic novel about the life of Pope Benedict XVI is an expanded version of Gabrielle Gniewek's book that was officially published for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain, and distributed to 300,000 people. Also included is a nine page appendix with fun facts about the Holy Father, his vehicles, and the Swiss Guards.

222 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Regina Doman is a Catholic wife, mother, author and editor. Currently she runs her own company, Chesterton Press, which publishes and distributes quality Catholic fiction. When she worked as the editor of Sophia Institute Press' fiction line, she launched the popular John Paul 2 High series for teens, and Rachel's Contrition became a #1 Best Seller in Amazon's Women's Fiction category, and winner of the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best adult fiction. As an author, she has written the Fairy Tale Novels, a series of books for teens and adults that places fairy tales in modern settings with Christian themes interwoven. The fifth book in that series, Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves, won the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best young adult fiction. In 2013, she published her longest and most challenging fairy tale novel yet, Rapunzel Let Down. Her only picture book Angel in the Waters has sold over 120,000 copies. In 2010 she was presented with the "In Defense of Sanity" award from the American Chesterton Society. Regina and her husband Andrew live in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley on a farmstead with their children. To the question, “How do you manage to get it all done?” Regina responds, “What makes you think I get it all done?”

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to preface this review with two facts, first I am a huge fan of Regina Doman’s prose. He fiction is among my all time favorite books. Second, I do not read a lot of graphic novels. Graphic novels especially in the manga style are typically not my thing. Fortunately, this volume only uses the characteristic oversized heads and super sized eyes for children, so for the most part not an issue. That being said I really enjoyed this book. Over the years I have read much written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Both prior to and after his election to the seat of Peter. But this is really the first time I have read much about him. And there was so much in this volume that surprise, amazed and even astonished me that I plan on reading more about the man that I believe will one day be named a saint.

This book was an incredible read. There is so much information in this graphic novel. Situations and events in his life that were not part of my knowledgebase. I was totally unaware of his sister’s role in his life and ministry. I had encountered stories about his brother in numerous readings, but the role Maria played. Even though she worked other jobs, she was his secretary, editor and support throughout her life. She followed his as his role within the church changed all the way to the Vatican.

The book is written as a series of reflections back in time. It begins with Joseph being told by another cardinal either at the conclave or before it that he must become pope. From ether the story goes back to childhood memories, memories of John Paul II’s election. Different roles and responsibilities he had that lead to this point. The story is masterfully told. Readers will come to see and appreciate the humble and gentle nature of this man that was known for so long as Pope John Paul II’s rottweiler. Readers will encounter the man who was humble enough to step down from the seat of Peter. The man who was misunderstood through most of his public life, and yet a man who served God, the people and the church with all his heart.

The illustrations of the children as mentioned are not in a style that I am a fan of. But, even with that being stated this book is wonderfully illustrated. The spirit of Benedict is captured in both the words and the illustrations. Honestly anyone could read this book, no matter their knowledge of graphic novels or Pope Benedict XVI and appreciate it. Learn from it and grow from what they learn.

I could not put this book down, I devoured it in a single reading. And have already started reading it again with my youngest two children. And it has lead to me picking up another book on Benedict XVI already and likely more future readings.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Regina Doman. As well as an author profile and interview with Regina.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO good. I never actually knew much about Pope Benedict XVI’s life.

[Emily Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrongly categorized this book as a Children's book... It is not! I loved this book and really enjoyed it. This was my first experience of Manga and I hope to see more. I especially liked the appendix which provides contextual notes on the illustrations and separates fact from fiction. I give it a high rating because it made me laugh out loud multiple times, it was hard to put down, it was unique, informative, inspiring, and was not watered down!

[Cassidy Van Vooren · Rating 5 out of 5]

After recently watching Netflix’s The Two Popes, I found this such a refreshing take on the pope emeritus. Recently I took a class at my university exclusively on Cardinal Ratzinger’s works (some of which I was delighted to hear mentioned in Habemus Papam) and I instantly fell in love with his writing style and unique perspective. His style of writing was so different and refreshing to the other theologians I had studied. He writes with an eagle eye view of history, taking into consideration many things. Though, having read a lot of his works I had not spent much time reading about him and his life. Though I knew enough that when I saw The Two Popes I was furious at his depiction, which was so utterly false and inaccurate.

This book does something which I found the pope emeritus does in his own writings; which is to present a birds eye view of historical events while gently asking you to consider the point of view of the author. This manga gave me such great insight into Pope Benedict’s life, humility, faith, and his family. I was so touched that his sister Maria was such a big part of his life, and how close he and his brother Georg were. This manga portrayed that in such a lovely way. The story was so well paced and the art was always beautiful. I especially appreciated the humor in the story which is so well illustrated in the art style. The historic depth and accuracy were notable and to be applauded.

[Elaine Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually met the author today and asked her to recommend a book. My daughter Terri loves manga and was thrilled to find a graphic novel. This has captivated her imagination and faith. All at the Charlotte Eucharistic Congress!