Ignatius Press to Publish Vol. 2 of Pope's Book

(July 31, 2010) The Vatican Publishing House has awarded publishing rights of the English version of Pope Benedict XVI's "Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. 2" to Ignatius Press. The second volume of the bestseller is expected in spring of 2011. This instalment focuses on the Passion and Resurrection and continues from where Volume 1 left off. "We are eagerly awaiting Volume 2 because it will contain the Holy Father’s reflections on the central mysteries of our faith," Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio, founder and editor of Ignatius, said. This volume is expected to cover questions such as if Jesus established the Church and if he really rose from the dead. “Jesus remains controversial,” noted Ignatius Press President Mark Brumley. “Christians believe he is the Son of God, the founder of the Church, and the Saviour of the world. For non-Christians, Jesus is almost anything else -- a myth, a revolutionary, or a prophet whose teaching was misunderstood or distorted by his followers.” Pope Benedict XVI finished the first volume of "Jesus of Nazareth" in late 2006. That edition focuses on Jesus' public ministry and was quickly an international bestseller. During his time at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo this year, the Pope has been working on the third and final volume of the work, which will cover Christ's childhood.