Benedict XVI: A Life, Volume One

Volume One: Youth in Nazi Germany to the Second Vatican Council, 1927–1965

De: Peter Seewald

Narrado por: Jim Meskimen

Duración: 19 h y 44 m

Resumen del Editor

The long-awaited and authoritative biography of Pope Benedict XVI, a giant of the Catholic Church

Benedict XVI: A Life offers insight into the young life and rise through the Church’s ranks of a man who would become a hero and a lightning rod for Catholics the world over. Based on countless hours of interviews in Rome with Benedict himself, this much-anticipated two-volume biography is the definitive record of the life of Joseph Ratzinger and the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.

This first volume follows the early life of the future pope, from his days growing up in Germany and his conscription into the Hitler Youth during World War II to his career as an academic theologian and eventual Archbishop of Munich. The second volume, set to be published in 2021, will cover his move to Rome under Pope John Paul II, his ascension to the papacy, and his controversial retirement and news-making statements under his successor, Pope Francis I.

This necessary companion to Benedict’s own memoir, Last Testament, is the fullest account to date of the life of a radical Catholic leader who has continued to make news while cloistered in retirement in the Vatican gardens.

©2020 Peter Seewald (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

A must read.

Great book. Not only describes the early life of the future pope, but goes through the intricacies of Vatican II.

Eye opening

Opened my eyes to many of the underlying currents in Germany during WW2. Also that Pope Benedict 16 wasn’t truly a progressive or a conservative person just wanted people to love God and the Word.

Understand Ratzinger

This was an amazing book that not only shows the first part of the history of one of the greatest men in the last century, but reveals the depth of his brilliance, influence. and holiness! He brilliantly balances reform and orthodoxy at the same time! I can't wait to read part 2. Highly recommended for anyone trying to understand this amazing man, the difficulties of his early life, and his influence on the church.

Excellent book, poor pronunciation

the book itself was excellent, but there were many points during the narration where I had to roll my eyes. The narrator did not know how to pronounce several of the foreign languages used in the text, mispronounced many ecclesiastical terms, and did not use proper form for saying the names of popes. All of this made clear that the narrator had little knowledge of the Catholic Church and it's hard to believe that the production team left these things slip, unless they were just as ignorant. His general narration was decent, but those foibles made it a bit difficult to listen to at times.

Pretty good

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I don't think I've ever read a story from the perspective of someone who had to live as a German during WWII. The story was great until it hit the Second Vatican Council. The final five hours or so turned into drudgery as the book detailed Vatican II and Ratzinger's role. The reader did okay, but mispronounced some well-known Latin terms and Catholic names (most notably St. Augustine).

interesting life

Ratzinger was a surprising force in Vatican 2. well written and told.. stories of WWII were great.

Compelling Narrative for a Brilliant Life

Thorough and insightful look into the life ofJoseph Ratzinger. It tells the story with great historical depth and context. I would recommend for anyone win like to get to know the Catholic Church in a proper understanding of the second Vatican council.

Eye opening!

I have a new appreciation for Benedict XVI, and hope others will take the time to learn about this remarkable man.
I can not wait to start Volume two.

Eye opening in many ways, not just biographical

A glimpse into a person, a priest, a council, a whole era.

The performance and voice of the reader was great. He doesn’t say the dates in the correct English way, but nevertheless I understood them better like that, maybe because of my ESL

absolutely a worthy audiobook.

excellent, balanced, informative

...marred only by some weird mispronunciations. But still a fascinating guide to the man, the times, and the Church in this period.