Pope Benedict XVI a pope who Kept the Faith

“Widely recognized as one of the most talented and respected journalists in Rome, Paul Badde offers here a unique glimpse into the drama of Pope Benedict's pontificate. He doesn't simply capture the various reasons for which Benedict XVI will go down in history, Badde chronicles the almost superhuman struggle against overwhelming hostilities that formed against this shy and exceedingly kind man.” (Benedict Up Close: The Inside Story of Eight Dramatic Years)

"When he came to Manoppello," said Badde, "he already knew all about that face. The then Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became pope, was my neighbor. I had kept him informed regarding all my research on the Holy Face and he was the first to whom I gave a copy of my book on the Holy Face as soon as it was published in Germany in 2004. It was inevitable for him to become a pilgrim in Manoppello.” (Holy Face Of Manoppello, Aug. 25, 2013)

“With fascinating vignettes back into history, you'll learn how Pope Benedict's experiences in a totalitarian Germany impacted the papacy and the Church, and how this son of a policeman became the "Thomas Aquinas of our time" one of the most brilliant and accomplished minds on the globe. (Benedict Up Close: The Inside Story of Eight Dramatic Years) “Leaning on his own personal conversations with Pope Benedict as well as his extensive interviews with those within the Holy Father's inner circle, Badde explains how Pope Benedict dealt with the blows and calumnies that rained down on him during those tempestuous eight years. You'll come to a deeper a deep appreciation of Pope Benedict's goodness and holiness, and you'll understand why only he could can have steered the ship of the Church during the storms of our time.

“With Paul Badde, you'll have a close-up view of Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate as you learn:

• Why he removed "Patriarch of the West" from the pope's list of titles;
• What led the pope's valet one the few people who had unfettered access to the pope to betray his secrets;
• Why he included the scallop shell on his coat of arms;
• Why he had such a strong devotion to the Face of Jesus;
• What he was really trying to say in his Regensburg Address that infuriated Muslims throughout the world;
• Why his visit to Turkey, despite threats from Al Qaeda, was so important;
• The bold way in which he reintroduced the Latin Mass;
• His answer to the visible disagreements between books of the Bible;
• Why he chose Benedict XVI as his name;

“Badde was on hand to talk to pilgrims at Manoppello during the Rimini Meeting in 2013 (Holy Face of Manoppello) “The German writer began his talk by asking the audience what they think will be remembered in the future regarding the history of Benedict XVI. Someone says, "his resignation." Badde responded that the 2006 visit to Manoppello, along with his resignation following the example of Celestine V, will probably be the only historical moments of the pontificate of Benedict XVI destined to be remembered in the future. "With this visit to Manoppello a pope returned after almost five centuries to kneel in front of the Veronica", said Badde, who pointed out that after his visit to Manoppello the pope frequently inserted in his talks a reference to the "human face of Christ.”

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Paul Badde: The Holy Face of Jesus, the Veil of Manoppello

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