Pope Benedict XVI’s book on Jesus to be published next Spring

(Wed.22 Nov.2006): -The Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, Nov. 21,released a communiqué stating that Pope Benedict XVI has completed writing the first part of a book, the title of which is “Jesus of Nazareth, from His Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration”. The communiqué also stated that the book has been consigned to the Vatican Publishing House and will be issued next Spring. Papal spokesman Jesuit Fr.Federico Lombardi described the completion of the first part of the book as “good news.” He said “ It is extraordinary that despite all his engagements and heavy work, the Pope completed such a magnificent undertaking.” In the preface of the book, passages of which have been issued, the Pontiff writes that this book “in no way is an act of the magesterium, but only an expression of my personal search for the face of the Lord. Therefore, anyone is free to contradict me. I only ask readers for that anticipated sympathy without which, there can be no understanding,” says Pope Benedict. “I wished to attempt to present the Jesus of the Gospels as the authentic Jesus, as the historical Jesus in the authentic meaning of the word”, the Pope adds. The book had been planned by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before being elected Pope and expresses his most profound convictions. “Through the man Jesus, God made himself visible and, from God, the image is seen of the just man”