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Life of Benedict XVI #2
Benedict XVI: A Life Lib/E: Volume Two: Professor and Prefect to Pope and Pope Emeritus, 1966-The Present
The second volume of Peter Seewald's magisterial life of Pope Benedict covers the period from the Second Vatican Council (1965-68) to the present day.
Emeritus Pope Benedict commands both adulation and unremitting criticism. In this second volume of Peter Seewald's authoritative biography, the story runs from the Second Vatican Council (1965-68) that shaped Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's conservative ideas about the role of the Catholic Church, through his short, scandal-ridden papacy and unprecedented resignation. Volume Two introduces listeners to the Pope Emeritus living in the Vatican Gardens, contemplating the future of the Church and his controversial legacy within it.
We see how Benedict was influenced by the Vatican Council and the ensuing political unrest all over Europe in the 1960s. Appointed in 1981 as Prefect of the Congregation of Doctrine of the Faith, and quickly nicknamed God's Rottweiler, he was intransigent on the controversial issues of abortion, contraception, gay rights, and gay marriage. But elected Pope in 2005, his tenure of office was riven with shocking revelations of controversy and scandal and it seemed that by his resignation in 2013, he was incapable of handling the complexities of the Church in the modern world.
Vatileaks, sexual abuse by priests, the Regensburg speech which became the spark of an eruption of rage in the Muslim world--all these hit the world's media headlines.
Peter Seewald is the only person close enough to Benedict to assess the man himself and to uncover the truth about so many of the controversial issues surrounding this papacy.
Emeritus Pope Benedict commands both adulation and unremitting criticism. In this second volume of Peter Seewald's authoritative biography, the story runs from the Second Vatican Council (1965-68) that shaped Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's conservative ideas about the role of the Catholic Church, through his short, scandal-ridden papacy and unprecedented resignation. Volume Two introduces listeners to the Pope Emeritus living in the Vatican Gardens, contemplating the future of the Church and his controversial legacy within it.
We see how Benedict was influenced by the Vatican Council and the ensuing political unrest all over Europe in the 1960s. Appointed in 1981 as Prefect of the Congregation of Doctrine of the Faith, and quickly nicknamed God's Rottweiler, he was intransigent on the controversial issues of abortion, contraception, gay rights, and gay marriage. But elected Pope in 2005, his tenure of office was riven with shocking revelations of controversy and scandal and it seemed that by his resignation in 2013, he was incapable of handling the complexities of the Church in the modern world.
Vatileaks, sexual abuse by priests, the Regensburg speech which became the spark of an eruption of rage in the Muslim world--all these hit the world's media headlines.
Peter Seewald is the only person close enough to Benedict to assess the man himself and to uncover the truth about so many of the controversial issues surrounding this papacy.
Audio CD
Published March 1, 2022
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About the author
Peter Seewald
57 books29 followersPeter Seewald - a journalist and a writer.
Declared as an atheist, who after a series of interviews with Joseph Ratzinger, together with his family, returned to the Catholic Church. As a journalist, he worked for "Stern" and "Spiegel".
Declared as an atheist, who after a series of interviews with Joseph Ratzinger, together with his family, returned to the Catholic Church. As a journalist, he worked for "Stern" and "Spiegel".
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 14, 2022
Vol 1 essentially covered his early life, education and his work as a very popular professor of theology. For fans of Pope Benedict, like me, it was a nice survey of his life, including his time when the Nazis were in power. Vol 2 is a much different book. It begins in the aftermath of Vatican II and ends with his shocking resignation in Feb. 2013. In a away vol. 2 is as much about the Church as it is about PBXVI. I personally think Benedict will go down as the greatest theologians of all the popes and one of its greatest authors. Trying to summarize this massive work is difficult. But if you want to understand the Cahtolic Church in the early part of the 21st Century you will learn a lot. I know I did. And if you hold negative views about this German pope you will end up with a more positive view of Benedict and his contribution to advancing the faith
March 22, 2023
Excellent book! Very well written and not at all dry. The. 500+ pages flew by.
December 21, 2022
Listened to this book through Hoopla. I think I was more impressed with the first part of Pope Benedict XVI’s biography because I didn’t know much of his earlier life; with the second volume I felt like I already knew about his time as the head of the CDF and as the Roman Pontiff. I did learn more about the degree of his physical ailments leading up to his resignation, however. May we one day have another theologian-Pontiff like Ratzinger.
February 6, 2023
Yep. Exactly what I wanted to read.
April 29, 2022
My review of the first volume (found on Goodreads, as well) was enthusiastic. That enthusiasm only increased as I plowed through this even larger concluding volume. What an amazing man and an amazing life -- one with joys, to be sure, but also with much suffering. Again, I learned much I never knew about the man, even as cardinal and pope. Seewald provided good detail and certainly hits the most important events in Benedict's life, but doesn't overwhelm the reader. He doesn't provide the level of detail that one finds in George Weigel's magisterial work on John Paul II, but he gives us more than enough. This now becomes the definitive work on Benedict's life. It makes me want to read again the author's interview book with Benedict entitled "Last Testament" that came out a couple years after the abdication, particularly since this volume two really ends with discussion of the resignation and its motivation. For anyone who is an admirer of Benedict (and even an engaged and honest critic), these two volumes are a must-read and ones that will stay on the shelf for years to come.
June 12, 2024
Outstanding!
December 24, 2024
Not as exciting as his early life, but awesome book.
August 24, 2025
I have read this book and listened to it several times on Audible.
Peter Seewald’s biography of Pope Benedict XVI is a compelling and insightful read. Seewald’s skillful writing brings depth and clarity to the life of one of the most influential figures in modern Catholicism. The book balances thorough historical context with personal anecdotes, offering readers both a detailed understanding of Benedict’s theological work and a glimpse into his private life.
Seewald’s interviews and extensive research illuminate the intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion that define Benedict. His portrayal avoids hagiography, instead presenting a thoughtful and humanized portrait of a man whose faith and intellect shaped the Church in profound ways. The narrative flows smoothly, making complex theological ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its ability to show Pope Benedict not just as a religious leader, but as a person navigating challenges with humility, conviction, and compassion. Readers gain insight into his motivations, struggles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his papacy.
Overall, Seewald succeeds in creating a biography that is both informative and engaging. It is a respectful, nuanced, and deeply human account of Pope Benedict XVI, appealing to scholars, Catholics, and general readers alike. The biography stands out as an exceptional resource for understanding the life, thought, and legacy of a pope who left a lasting mark on the Church and the world.
This book is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking an honest, insightful, and approachable exploration of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarkable journey.
Damian North.
Author
Peter Seewald’s biography of Pope Benedict XVI is a compelling and insightful read. Seewald’s skillful writing brings depth and clarity to the life of one of the most influential figures in modern Catholicism. The book balances thorough historical context with personal anecdotes, offering readers both a detailed understanding of Benedict’s theological work and a glimpse into his private life.
Seewald’s interviews and extensive research illuminate the intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion that define Benedict. His portrayal avoids hagiography, instead presenting a thoughtful and humanized portrait of a man whose faith and intellect shaped the Church in profound ways. The narrative flows smoothly, making complex theological ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its ability to show Pope Benedict not just as a religious leader, but as a person navigating challenges with humility, conviction, and compassion. Readers gain insight into his motivations, struggles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his papacy.
Overall, Seewald succeeds in creating a biography that is both informative and engaging. It is a respectful, nuanced, and deeply human account of Pope Benedict XVI, appealing to scholars, Catholics, and general readers alike. The biography stands out as an exceptional resource for understanding the life, thought, and legacy of a pope who left a lasting mark on the Church and the world.
This book is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking an honest, insightful, and approachable exploration of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarkable journey.
Damian North.
Author
May 20, 2022
Disappointing if you wondered how the subject could possibly yield his lifetime position without a succession plan favoring those who shared his perspective on the challenges facing the Church. Not a book for people interested in power, politics, and similar worldly considerations, except as it pertains to his relationship with his far more impressive (and infinitely more media savvy) predecessor.
The bio puts frequent emphasis on the German media's reaction to BXVI's actions, giving the impression that the man himself, as well as his biographer, didn't fully grasp his global stage. Little or nothing here on his input managing appointments to the cardinalate and bishops of dioceses across the world, or any noteworthy successes in controlling his Curia bureaucracy. While obviously concerned about the world's pockets of poverty, it's not clear if Pope Benedict ever exposed himself to the ideas of those economists who understand how prosperity and abundance are generated. The book documents the subject's focus on personal spirituality, but could have come down harder on his cluelessness as a communicator to an increasingly secular world.
[This review is based upon the audiobook.]
The bio puts frequent emphasis on the German media's reaction to BXVI's actions, giving the impression that the man himself, as well as his biographer, didn't fully grasp his global stage. Little or nothing here on his input managing appointments to the cardinalate and bishops of dioceses across the world, or any noteworthy successes in controlling his Curia bureaucracy. While obviously concerned about the world's pockets of poverty, it's not clear if Pope Benedict ever exposed himself to the ideas of those economists who understand how prosperity and abundance are generated. The book documents the subject's focus on personal spirituality, but could have come down harder on his cluelessness as a communicator to an increasingly secular world.
[This review is based upon the audiobook.]
December 29, 2022
One of the criticisms of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is that he's a... reactionary Conservative prelate with... a Nazi German upbringing. This book attempts to address this reputation.
The book argues that Pope Benedict XVI wasn't perhaps the best manager of people, was too trusting, was perhaps a little nerdy, and was on the receiving end of "fake news stories". I'm not sure about the truth of all this. Was he hard done by? Probably (which is a sentence I'd never thought I'd write about a pope), but the book felt a little hagiographic, and looking for excuses. The book doesn't address his post-papacy, for example, and that could have told you a lot about his thinking about the church, the new Pope, and his dealings with both in retirement.
In short, the book wasn't bad, I'm just not sure it was fair and balanced.
The book argues that Pope Benedict XVI wasn't perhaps the best manager of people, was too trusting, was perhaps a little nerdy, and was on the receiving end of "fake news stories". I'm not sure about the truth of all this. Was he hard done by? Probably (which is a sentence I'd never thought I'd write about a pope), but the book felt a little hagiographic, and looking for excuses. The book doesn't address his post-papacy, for example, and that could have told you a lot about his thinking about the church, the new Pope, and his dealings with both in retirement.
In short, the book wasn't bad, I'm just not sure it was fair and balanced.
April 7, 2022
I took my time in reading this, the 2nd of two amazing volumes encompassing the life of Benedict XVI/Joseph Ratzinger.
And I am glad I did.
To be able to sift through the life of such an important individual, especially since that individual still lives, is quite an intellectual and emotional venture.
It is also quite an interesting parallel to my own life, in that even though I may wish to live/have lived a much different life, that God's Providence always has a greater design that is even grander and more important than anything I could have possibly imagined and a great level of humility and trust is always needed, even though you may never know the final destination nor the reasons why.
And I am glad I did.
To be able to sift through the life of such an important individual, especially since that individual still lives, is quite an intellectual and emotional venture.
It is also quite an interesting parallel to my own life, in that even though I may wish to live/have lived a much different life, that God's Providence always has a greater design that is even grander and more important than anything I could have possibly imagined and a great level of humility and trust is always needed, even though you may never know the final destination nor the reasons why.
September 29, 2023
Impresionante segunda parte de la biografía de Benefició XVI. Especialmente conmovedoras son las sucesivas crisis que afrontar durante su pontificado, la inquina mostrada por parte de la prensa y de los teólogos alemanes, y la narración en torno a su renuncia (la única parte que quizá resulta un poco larga, por el intento de crear expectación). Em conjunto, creo que es un gran libro, de obligada lectura.
April 6, 2022
An In-depth biography
Peter Seewald chronicles the second part of Pope Benedict's life with objectivity. He does not shy away from his fake and failures. Benedict never wanted to be Pope. He wanted to retire under John Paul 2, but he would not let him.
I do not agree with much of the Catholic church teaches. But one need not be Catholic to appreciate and admire Pope Benedict.
Peter Seewald chronicles the second part of Pope Benedict's life with objectivity. He does not shy away from his fake and failures. Benedict never wanted to be Pope. He wanted to retire under John Paul 2, but he would not let him.
I do not agree with much of the Catholic church teaches. But one need not be Catholic to appreciate and admire Pope Benedict.
April 11, 2023
The papacy of Pope Benedict will be remembered for many things. One thing that cannot be denied is that he as a man of conviction. There is much to be learned from examining his life and Peter Seewald tells the story well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
An excellent, fairly balanced look at the latter half of Ratzinger's life.
January 2, 2022
long but after reading column 1 I had to read on (1,200 pages in total). Very good but biased ; never-the-less a solid read for Vatican intrigue fans of which I am one
May 2, 2022
An great second installment; however, with as much time as the author spent on Ratzinger’s youth, I feel like the papacy was only touched on briefly.
February 20, 2024
Seewald offers a window into the life of Pope Benedict that is instructive and enlightening.
October 20, 2024
Phenomenal
November 10, 2025
Good, not great.
April 3, 2025
This was a very interesting and considered biography.
Peter Seewald was raised a Catholic, but left the church and embraced a critical attitude to religion and was leaning towards Marxism. After meeting and speaking with Benedict XVI, he rediscovered his Catholicism and rejoined the church.
Seewald covers the transition in Benedict XVI’s life from being a bishop and theologian in the church hierarchy, to the office of Prefect for the Doctrine of the Faith (the ‘Grand Inquisitor’), to his eventual inauguration as Pope Benedict XVI and then his retirement from the papal seat.
The volume starts in Benedict XVI’s midlife, when he is a respected professor and working on theological treatises and texts. From Seewald’s perspective and supplemented by interviews with Benedict XVI and those closest to him, it would appear that Ratzinger was not ambitious for a life in the Curia and the power that being Prefect and finally Pope brought to him. He wanted to write and to share his learning and philosophy by publishing and guiding his students. He tried to retire from his Prefect role three times, but was not allowed by Pope John Paul II, and he did not seek the papal chair. It may be because of this that he was precisely the right one for the job.
The biography covers the milestones in Ratzinger’s life as a professor and as Benedict XVI the triumphs and scandals of his eight-year papacy. There is discussion around Vatileaks, the abuse scandal in the church and the condom crisis. Those who are calling for the ordination of women, an end to celibacy and more recognition of the LGBT community are seen as the aggressors in this text, and it would be good to get their perspective.
Seewald touches on Benedict’s attitude and opinion, and it can be inferred that he is socially conservative but radical against capitalism and individualism. He wants people to be treated well and have fulfilled lives, but this is within a framework of a Catholic Christian worldview and morality. This naturally means that what can be seen as injustice and suppression by championing male priesthood and marriage as between a man and a woman, is the natural order of things to him, as God decreed. He wants to promote love and service, turning away from wealth and materialism, but he pins the problems that have developed often on atheism, materialism and too much liberality.
What is interesting, and may be because Seewald is a German journalist, is the attitude of hostility that Benedict XVI faced in Germany, which seems to far outweigh the criticism from other nations. Seewald had worked for some of these publications, and he focuses on the German newspapers and their manipulative reporting on the papacy.
This is a long and complex book about a man who appears to be highly intelligent and deeply faithful. It was interesting to get a wide scope of the Vatican and the power structure of the Catholic church. I would like to read some of Ratzinger’s books to explore a little deeper his outlook and philosophy on religious faith and existence.
Peter Seewald was raised a Catholic, but left the church and embraced a critical attitude to religion and was leaning towards Marxism. After meeting and speaking with Benedict XVI, he rediscovered his Catholicism and rejoined the church.
Seewald covers the transition in Benedict XVI’s life from being a bishop and theologian in the church hierarchy, to the office of Prefect for the Doctrine of the Faith (the ‘Grand Inquisitor’), to his eventual inauguration as Pope Benedict XVI and then his retirement from the papal seat.
The volume starts in Benedict XVI’s midlife, when he is a respected professor and working on theological treatises and texts. From Seewald’s perspective and supplemented by interviews with Benedict XVI and those closest to him, it would appear that Ratzinger was not ambitious for a life in the Curia and the power that being Prefect and finally Pope brought to him. He wanted to write and to share his learning and philosophy by publishing and guiding his students. He tried to retire from his Prefect role three times, but was not allowed by Pope John Paul II, and he did not seek the papal chair. It may be because of this that he was precisely the right one for the job.
The biography covers the milestones in Ratzinger’s life as a professor and as Benedict XVI the triumphs and scandals of his eight-year papacy. There is discussion around Vatileaks, the abuse scandal in the church and the condom crisis. Those who are calling for the ordination of women, an end to celibacy and more recognition of the LGBT community are seen as the aggressors in this text, and it would be good to get their perspective.
Seewald touches on Benedict’s attitude and opinion, and it can be inferred that he is socially conservative but radical against capitalism and individualism. He wants people to be treated well and have fulfilled lives, but this is within a framework of a Catholic Christian worldview and morality. This naturally means that what can be seen as injustice and suppression by championing male priesthood and marriage as between a man and a woman, is the natural order of things to him, as God decreed. He wants to promote love and service, turning away from wealth and materialism, but he pins the problems that have developed often on atheism, materialism and too much liberality.
What is interesting, and may be because Seewald is a German journalist, is the attitude of hostility that Benedict XVI faced in Germany, which seems to far outweigh the criticism from other nations. Seewald had worked for some of these publications, and he focuses on the German newspapers and their manipulative reporting on the papacy.
This is a long and complex book about a man who appears to be highly intelligent and deeply faithful. It was interesting to get a wide scope of the Vatican and the power structure of the Catholic church. I would like to read some of Ratzinger’s books to explore a little deeper his outlook and philosophy on religious faith and existence.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews