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The Legacy of John Paul II: Images and Memories

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This is a glorious volume from Joseph Ratzinger,(now Emeritus 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.

120 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

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About the author

Pope Benedict XVI

942 books938 followers
Originally Joseph Ratzinger , a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.

After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.

Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.

Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.

Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.

Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.

(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
46 reviews1 follower
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October 29, 2023
A wonderful exercise in padding; three essays and a bunch of pictures are stretched out to a hundred pages.
Profile Image for Alicia.
45 reviews
April 28, 2008
A fascinating and brief, but somewhat scholarly, overview of Pope John Paul II's pontificate, written by his friend Cardinal Ratzinger. I like how Ratzinger explains briefly the significance of each encyclical and how they relate to each other.

The book is loaded with beautiful photos of the Pope, including many from his visits around the world and also includes a detailed timeline of his life and a complete list of his Pastoral Visits throughout the world.

Beautiful!
77 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2012
A charming, heartwarming little book that demonstrates the great love and appreciation that Pope Benedict XVI has for the life and works of Pope John Paul II. The book is supplemented with wonderful and iconic images of Pope John Paul II that include some photos of his various visits around the world.
Profile Image for Rich.
103 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2016
A nice tribute to the life and papacy of St. John Paul II in words and pictures. Nothing super spectacular, especially if you're a devotee of JPII and already know his life, but its a nice book to remember the great man and thank God again for his life.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
150 reviews
June 30, 2015
Beautiful book! Fairly short and easy to read with touching images of Pope John Paul II throughout his life.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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