A short introduction to the life before diving into the mind

"I have carried my load to Rome and have now been wandering the streets of the Eternal City for a long time. I do not know when I will be released, but one thing I do know: that the exclamation applies to me too: "I have become your donkey (In terms of bearing loads, not of foolishness), and in just this way I am with you."--Pope Benedict XVI

After Pope Benedict was elected I of course wanted to read some of his writings, I figured his memoirs was the best place to start. I have to say it was a very very brief, but engaging read. Having seen him characterized over and over while cardinal as a hard and unfeeling person, it's amusing to see just how sensitive he actually is, and to see his very human faults as well as his strengths. It also clarifies much of the rumors that have built up around him, particularly in the days of World War II.

I really loved this book, my only complaint was that the photo montage was a little too long, because many of the pictures are the same picture from various angles.

I highly recommend it as a first stepping stone in getting to know Pope Benedict XVI

An introduction to pope Benedict XVI, the man.

It is hard no to be compelled by Cardinal Ratzinger's (and now pope Benedict XVI) memories. Here is a man that was born in a small german village from a modest family and who was, since the beginning very moved by his spirituality. This was not an easy task, to preserve one's moral and spiritual integrity in nazi Germany. But Ratzinger went through it and turned out to be a priest, dedicating the best os his intelectual gifts to God. His theologic achievements are quite remarkable, especially his criticism to the deterioration of moral values in the west outside the framework of christianity. Is it possible that liberal democracy could emanate, by itself a system o ethical and moral values without the substract of religion? The point is interesting and is only glimpsed at this little book. The reader wants more, but this thirst can be quenched by other of Ratzinger's books. In any case, these memories finish a long time ago, in 1977, when Ratzinger moved to Rome. Probably a very interesting period of his life evolved in these subsequent years (his friendship with Wojtila, his work at the Vatican etc) and for this part the reader is left with his own imagination. In any case, it is a very interesting experience, to be introduced to pope Benedict XVI, the man, through these pages.

A compelling, personal and informative narrative

A small book in which one can meet a good, kindly and intelligent man. Also here the reader can encounter some of the theological and political forces that shaped his present world view.

The book has been around since 1997 but the last paragraph of the book is especially touching in the light of his recent election as pope. The, then, Cardinal recounts the story of a bear who is forced to carry the load of St. Corbinian's beast of burden which the bear had earlier torn to pieces. He goes on to say: "It is said of Corbinian that, once in Rome, he released the bear to freedom. The legend is not concerned about whether it went up into the Arbuzzi or returned to the Alps. In the meantime I have carried my load to Rome and have been wandering the streets of the Eternal City for a long time. I do not know when I will be released, but one thing I do know: that exclamation applies to me too: "I have become your donkey, and in just this way am I with you."