On Tuesday 19th April 2005: white smoke signals the election of a new Pontiff, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI. Reprint of Cardinal Ratzinger with a New Preface, revised title and jacket. The elevation of Joseph Ratzinger to the Papacy has raised more questions than it answers about what the future holds for the world’s one billion Roman Catholics. Seasoned Vatican watcher, John L. Allen Jr is ideally placed to answer these questions tracing Ratzinger’s story from his Bavarian routes (including a spell in the Hitler Youth movement), his support for Vatican 11, and the unique relationship he shared with John Paul 11 whilst number two in the Catholic Church. Whilst a Cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger never failed to polarise opinions, attracting adoration and opprobrium in equal measure He is certain to continue to do so whilst Pope. This book needs to be read by Catholic and non-Catholics alike to understand the mind of a man who now has one of the most powerful roles on earth.