Ten texts help crack pope's pontificate, mission, ministry

Published: 2008-05-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- If there's one thing people learned about Pope Benedict XVI during his U.S. visit, it's that he's got content. His talks and sermons were minilessons on the faith and its relationship with the world, blending the advice of a pastor with the reflections of a theologian. But what about the rest of his pontificate? For those unable to keep up with everything Pope Benedict does and says, here is a starting point: a list of 10 fundamental texts that can help people understand the man, his thought and his ministry. 1. The pope's sermon at his inauguration Mass April 24, 2005. 2. The introduction and Part 1 of his encyclical "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love"). 3. His talk Dec. 22, 2005, to the Roman Curia. 4. His sermon Jan. 8, 2006, at a Mass with the baptism of infants. 5. His meeting with young people April 6, 2006. 6. His interview in August 2006 with German reporters ahead of his homecoming visit to Bavaria. 7. The pope's speech at Germany's University of Regensburg Sept. 12, 2006. 8. His letter to Chinese Catholics June 30, 2007. 9. His second encyclical, "Spe Salvi" ("Saved by Hope"), published in late 2007. 10. His weekly audience talk on St. Augustine Jan. 30, 2008.

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