About the Author

Vittorio Messori is an acclaimed Italian journalist and author. Besides this exclusive interview with Cardinal Ratzinger, he also conducted the first book-length interview with Pope John Paul II, published under the pope's authorship and the title Crossing the Threshold of Hope. He is also the author of Kidnapped by the Vatican? The Unpublished Memoirs of Edgardo Mortara

Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; and prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.