Theme of papal book may also be hallmark of his papacy, panelists say

Published: 2007-05-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The emphasis on Jesus' centrality to the Catholic faith in Pope Benedict XVI's first book as pope is likely to permeate his papacy, panelists told a Washington audience during a book launch event for "Jesus of Nazareth" May 15. Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., and Vatican analysts George Weigel and John Allen discussed the book at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington. The event was hosted by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Bill Barry, publisher in the Doubleday religious publishing division. "Jesus of Nazareth," published in April in Italian, German and Polish, was launched in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom May 15. "It's not easy to present a book of your boss," said Archbishop Sambi with a laugh. "But I am happy to do so because the author is a very competent and learned teacher, and the subject is a fascinating one."

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