Weigel’s "God's Choice" Translation Released Ahead of Pope's Visit

(September 11, 2008) As France is getting ready for Pope Benedict XVI's arrival here this weekend, American author and Catholic theologian George Weigel finds himself to be part of the preparations. The Pope will visit Paris and Lourdes this weekend, and French editing house Mame-Edifa-Magnificat has released -- just in time for the occasion -- the translation of Weigels' book "God's Choice: Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Catholic Church." Weigel, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, also authored "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II" in 1999. In "God's Choice," published in 2005, he offers an introduction to Benedict XVI's pontificate. Weigel explained that in these three years since Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, he has made some key contributions to the Church: "As a master catechist he has brought the Church back to its roots in the Bible and the Fathers of the church. He has highlighted and analyzed the linked problems of faith-detached-from reason; and has called for the celebration of the Eucharist with appropriate dignity." He expects that Pope Benedict will talk about secularism, as he did in the United States in April to bring the church back to faith when he visits France. Regarding the future of the Church in France, Wiegel noted some positive signs: "There is a lot of energy in various renewal movements. France is also home to several major Catholic intellectuals. But," he continued, "I can't say that I see the signs of vibrant Catholic renewal in France that I see in some there parts of old Europe." Weigel, who has called Pope Benedict the Pope of quiet surprises, added that he believes the world has yet to fully understand this German pontiff, who still might have a few surprises with him as he goes to France.