The new Pope.(Holy Father: Pope Benedict XVI, Pontiff for a New Era)(Pope Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission)(Book Review)

Mansfield, Stephen. Pope Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. Tarcher: Penguin. 2005. c.208p. bibliog. ISBN 1-58542-450-1. $19.95. REL

What distinguishes this book from the plethora of books already available on the newly elected pope are its straightforward style, its accessible language, and the fact that the author does not have a hidden agenda or an ax to grind. Mansfield (The Faith of George W. Bush) presents an objective portrait of Pope Benedict, even pointing out character traits--such as his sense of humor--that were generally thought to be lacking in this former head of the Holy Office. By closely examining Joseph Ratzinger's life and teaching, Mansfield …