Benedict XVI: A Life, Volume One

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

By: Peter Seewald

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

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

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.

A must read.

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

Thorough biography of Pope Benedict

Objective and well informed, written by the famous biographer of the Pope. A mandatory reading for those who are interested in such a topic.

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.

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.