Enjoy a Visit with the Holy Father and His Family in 'My Brother, the Pope'

Msgr. Georg Ratzinger shines as a storyteller in this wonderful portrait

This is not simply a book to satisfy curiosity about a "celebrity", though it certainly does that. It's a beautiful portrait of Catholic family life and, in the most literal sense, of enduring fraternal charity. The many photographs, both in black and white and in color, round out a thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational book. Illustrated with 47 photographs. [Ignatius Press]

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - Most of us will not have the privilege of shaking the hand of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Nor would we be able to sit down and simply chat with him, to get to know him the man, Joseph Ratzinger, better. Yet, we no longer need to wonder what makes up this man we call the "Vicar of Christ."

The pope's older brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, along with Michael Hesemann, a German historian, journalist and bestselling author, has written a wonderful book entitled, "My Brother, the Pope," from Ignatius Press. You end the book knowing well the man who is the chief shepherd of our souls.

The entire book is entertaining and quite detailed, giving the reader a clear picture of two brothers who are best friends and fellow priests, sharing the same ordination date. You can tell very quickly after opening the book that the Pope's older brother is a wonderful storyteller.

As a co-author, Hesemann is not present just to edit Georg's words. He adds his own commentary and research to provide some excellent background information throughout the book.

Born in 1924, three years before his brother, Georg brings together powerful stories and memories - some wonderful and some not so wonderful - spanning the 9 decades they have shared together on earth. His memory for details is truly amazing, remembering early days as altar boys, their early school years and even information about the houses in which they lives. He weaves a fascinating account of life before, during and after the Third Reich in Germany.

You also have a chance to meet their parents, Joseph, Sr. and Maria, whose great faith and integrity formed a wonderful foundation for their children. It is especially insightful to see how their father, a policeman, navigated the turbulent times in Nazi Germany both professionally and personally.

In addition, the book introduces Msgr. Ratzinger himself to those who are not as familiar with him as they are with his more famous brother. While Joseph grew up to become a brilliant young professor, Georg was building a reputation of his own as an accomplished musician. For over 30 years he directed the Regensburger Domspatzchor, the world-famous boys' choir of the Regensburg cathedral.

The final chapters of the book detail life when Joseph Ratzinger was ordained a bishop, quickly named a cardinal and, ultimately, during his current years as Pope Benedict XVI.

The book is illustrated with 47 photographs, both black and white and color, spanning the years of their lives together.

For more information please visit Ignatius Press.

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Randy Sly is the Associate Editor of Catholic Online and the CEO/Associate Publisher for the Northern Virginia Local Edition of Catholic Online (http://virginia.catholic.org). He is a former Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church who laid aside that ministry to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

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