Last Testament

In His Own Words

By: Pope Benedict XVI, Peter Seewald

Narrated by: Roger May, Gordon Griffin

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Bloomsbury presents Last Testament by Pope Benedict XVI with Peter Seewald, read by Roger May and Gordon Griffin.

Since resigning from the papacy in 2013, the first pope in more than 700 years to do so, Pope Benedict has lived quietly in a convent in the Vatican gardens in Rome. He has devoted himself to a life of prayer and study and has vowed to remain silent, until now.

So much controversy still surrounds Pope Benedict’s time in office - in this book, written with best-selling German author Peter Seewald, he addresses the issues of his papacy and reveals how, at his late age, governing and reforming the Church was beyond him.

Last Testament is also an autobiography, recalling Pope Benedict’s childhood in Germany under Nazism, his early development as a priest and eventually his appointment as Archbishop of Munich. After becoming pope, his account deals with the controversies that rocked the Catholic world - how he enraged Muslims with his Regensburg speech, what he did and did not do to stamp out the clerical sexual abuse of children, the ‘Vatileaks’ scandal and how he broke up a gay cabal within the Vatican itself.

At all times, we see a man who is shy and retiring and modest being exceptionally open and frank with the outside world. In this Last Testament, a unique audiobook insofar as no other living pope has had the opportunity to write an account having left office, Benedict gives in his own words an unprecedented view of the difficulties, the achievements and the consequences of his time as head of the Catholic Church worldwide.

©2021 Pope Benedict XVI and Peter Seewald (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"Gripping.... An exquisite conversation between two people who know each other, like each other and have mutual respect for one another." (Catholic Times)

Truthful, honest, sincere

Thank you, Holy Father Benedict XVI, for sharing your story in your own words.

Insightful

I enjoyed the interview style of this book. Seewald provides background information where needed, but it it most interesting to hear Pope Benedict respond in his own words. The questions were probing and the answers enlightening. I have a greater appreciation for this Pope and the service he rendered to the Church when he did.

Very touching interview

And well read by both readers. A wonderful entry into Pope Benedict XVI’s personal side. Highly recommended!

beautiful

It was a lovely and refreshing read. I'm very glad i stumbled upon it.

A perfect book

A timeless book that is outstanding and perfectly written. I love it and I highly recommend this book!

Inspiring

A wonderful and personal insight in to the great Pope BXVI! I cannot recommend this enough.

Like hanging out with Pope Benedict!

The style and performance of this work are phenomenal! So many interesting tidbits right from the man himself and performed in such a way that you feel like you’re listening to the interview in person. Wonderful insights from a wonderful man! Definitely worth the read!

Audible, I did enjoy this program.

The interplay between the two narrators helps you feel as if you are listening in to a conversation with Pope Benedict himself. After listening to this book, I feel as though I know the person of Pope Benedict, the sweet, gentle, kind, wise soul that he is.

Beautiful insight into a beautiful mind and heart

I have to applaud the narration in this audiobook as being one of the most engaging that I have experienced in hundreds of audiobooks. It’s so natural and captures the spirit of the letter very well, capturing humor and wit that might be lost if this were not somewhat dramatized with two narrators. I am so grateful that someone completed this interview with Pope Benedict at this point in his life when he has ceased writing. Such a gift to the church and the world. I completed this audiobook in two days and then immediately downloaded the kindle version so I could highlight favorite passages. Well worth your money or credit!

Very Good...& Surprising

This book really let's one get to know more about the man behind all those books he's written, all that Theology. PBXVI wanted to clear some things up with this book; and that's what he does. And it's good, if not a bit surprising, some of what he has to say.