Last Testament

In His Own Words

By: Pope Benedict XVI, Peter Seewald

Narrated by: Roger May, Gordon Griffin

Bloomsbury presents Last Testament by Pope Benedict XVI with Peter Seewald, read by Roger May and Gordon Griffin.

Gripping ... An exquisite conversation between two people who know each other, like each other, and have mutual respect for one another' – Catholic Times

Since resigning from the papacy in 2013, the first Pope in over 700 years to do so, Pope Benedict has lived quietly in a convent in the Vatican gardens in Rome. He has devoted himself to a life of prayer and study and has vowed to remain silent, until now.

So much controversy still surrounds Pope Benedict’s time in office – in this book, written with bestselling German author Peter Seewald, he addresses the issues of his papacy and reveals how, at his late age, governing and reforming the Church was beyond him.

Last Testament is also an autobiography, recalling Pope Benedict’s childhood in Germany under Nazism, his early development as a priest, and eventually his appointment as Archbishop of Munich. After becoming Pope, his account deals with the controversies that rocked the Catholic world – how he enraged Muslims with his Regensburg speech, what he did and did not do to stamp out the clerical sexual abuse of children, the ‘Vatileaks’ scandal and how he broke up a gay cabal within the Vatican itself.

At all times, we see a man who is shy and retiring and modest being exceptionally open and frank with the outside world. In this Last Testament, a unique book insofar as no other living Pope has had the opportunity to write an account having left office, Benedict gives in his own words an unprecedented view of the difficulties, the achievements and the consequences of his time as head of the Catholic Church worldwide.

©2021 Pope Benedict XVI and Peter Seewald (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Very touching interview

And well read by both readers. A wonderful entry into Pope Benedict XVI’s personal side. Highly recommended!

Insightful

I enjoyed the interview style of this book. Seewald provides background information where needed, but it it most interesting to hear Pope Benedict respond in his own words. The questions were probing and the answers enlightening. I have a greater appreciation for this Pope and the service he rendered to the Church when he did.

beautiful

It was a lovely and refreshing read. I'm very glad i stumbled upon it.

Truthful, honest, sincere

Thank you, Holy Father Benedict XVI, for sharing your story in your own words.

Perfect

Like listening to the man himself. Or really Anthony Hopkins if The Two Popes had had a good script.