U.S. bishops launch new website for book about Pope Benedict

Washington D.C., Dec 3, 2010 / 00:15 am

An extensive new website dedicated to a book on Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy launched on Dec. 1 under the sponsorship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The bishops’ conference published the book “Benedict XVI: Essays and Reflections on His Papacy” in the fall in conjunction with Rowan & Littlefield Publishers’ imprint Sheed & Ward.

The new website provides a tour of the new book with a photo gallery and excerpts from its essays and personal reflections.

It provides video clips from contributors Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago and Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York.

The book itself is edited by Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, RSM, who directs USCCB media relations. She characterized it as a “Cliff Notes” for understanding Pope Benedict.

Forewords to the book were written by King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Shimon Peres of Israel. It includes introductory material from Cardinal George, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and John Thavis, who is Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service.

The book includes more than 100 full-color photographs showing Pope Benedict in formal public appearances, in meetings with leaders and lay Catholics, and in quiet moments of personal study or contemplation.

Visitors to the new site can also purchase the book through various retailers. The site is located at http://www.popebenedictbook.com.