Benedict XVI: A Life, Volume 2

Volume Two: Professor and Prefect to Pope and Pope Emeritus, 1966 - The Present

By: Peter Seewald

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 24 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The second volume of Peter Seewald’s magisterial life of Pope Benedict covers the period from the Second Vatican Council (1965-68) to the present day.

Emeritus Pope Benedict commands both adulation and unremitting criticism. In this second volume of Peter Seewald’s authoritative biography, the story runs from the Second Vatican Council (1965-68) that shaped Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s conservative ideas about the role of the Catholic Church, through his short, scandal-ridden papacy and unprecedented resignation. Volume two introduces listeners to the Pope Emeritus living in the Vatican Gardens, contemplating the future of the church and his controversial legacy within it.

We see how Benedict was influenced by the Vatican Council and the ensuing political unrest all over Europe in the 1960s. Appointed in 1981 as Prefect of the Congregation of Doctrine of the Faith, and quickly nicknamed “God’s Rottweiler”, he was intransigent on the controversial issues of abortion, contraception, gay rights, and gay marriage. But elected Pope in 2005, his tenure of office was riven with shocking revelations of controversy and scandal and it seemed that by his resignation in 2013, he was incapable of handling the complexities of the church in the modern world.

Vatileaks, sexual abuse by priests, the Regensburg speech which became the spark of an eruption of rage in the Muslim world - all these hit the world’s media headlines.

Peter Seewald is the only person close enough to Benedict to assess the man himself and to uncover the truth about so many of the controversial issues surrounding this papacy.

©2021 Peter Seewald (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Grace

I liked and appreciated evidence of God’s grace at work in an imperfect person open to it in faith. It is an encouragement for us all.

Extraordinary

Few biographers have been so dedicated and thorough. The story is balanced and gripping. Strongly recommend this book for scholars and students alike.

The Truth about Pope Benedict XVI

The commentary and style was mostly journalistic which is only 1 Lens and method to know the Pope. But this aspect accurately covers the journalistic disinformation campaign against Pope Benedict. It is shameful how much the media slandered Poe Benedict with propaganda. Though brief a picture of Pope Benedict/ Cardinal Ratzinger’s theology comes through. For anyone who wants to know an accurate picture about Pope Benedict very detailed.

Excellent Conclusion filled with Fascinating Insights

The reader’s voice is a touch deep for my taste but he does a very good job. The author comes across as more balanced than some might have feared. Benedict’s detractors on the left hold the commanding heights of the culture, despite being wrong about most things, if not depraved. Nevertheless, the facts are allowed to show this.
It was interesting to learn how influential Ratzinger was as a young theologian, And sad: He went along with a great many of the modernist excesses he eventually began to resist. Thank God someone resisted. He certainly should not have resigned.
Francis is a very bad pope. He learned nothing from the 1930s and continues to cooperate with various antichrists (homosexualists, the CCP, abortion-mongers, etc.). God help us.

Extraordinary!

Wonderful biography of a unique Pope that brought so much love for God with renewed Theology that helps us get closer to God. A remarkable person, God bless Pope Benedict XVI.

Brilliant Man; powerful biography

Pope Benedict XVI comes to life in this excellent biography. He is a fascinating subject not just due to his immense intellect and gift of communicating the intricate tenets and scope of Catholicism but also his gentle, kind and unassuming way of presenting himself- a lion and a lamb in one being. He seems destined for sainthood.
The author has produced an engrossing and thoughtful study on the life of the truly remarkable Joseph Ratzinger/PopeBenedict XVI.

Fabulous

Both volume 1&2 were well worth the read. I have new respect and understanding for this great man of God.

Beautiful

I have grown to have a special love and appreciation for this wonderful man and his great love for God and His church. It is well worth the read.

Most influential Theologian since Martin Luther

Full of surprises, especially all the positive reforms in the documents of Vatican 2. I had no idea he fought and deserted from the German army in WWII. Well worth the amount of time it to to listen.

Great book to understand theology are brilliant, but complicated man

Very readable book I highly recommend it. This book explains the theology and beliefs of a very complicated but brilliant man. His theology was shaped by his deep faith and the times in which he has lived great insight . I also recommend the first volume.