The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as successor to Pope John Paul II has aroused tremendous interest not only among Catholics but throughout the world. Formerly the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and known for his stand against liberation theology and social activism on issues such as homosexuality, he has in his first days as Pope shown a pastoral and very human face to the world. His deep faith, his theological learning and his intellectual gifts are without peer, but where will he take the Church?

This book, from the editor of Inside the Vatican, seeks to answer this question by exploring Benedict's beliefs and policies through his own writings. Robert Moynihan sets the scene for his momentous election and then surveys his writings: on Jesus, Mary and the Sacrements, on the wider issues of faith and spirituality, and on the world today. In conclusion he reveals Benedict XVI's views expressed since his election and shows how these relate to his spiritual vision for the Church and the world.