A short, accessible introduction to the new Pope.

On Tuesday 19 April, the new pope was presented to the world. As the crowds cheered in excitement and celebration, the questions were already forming? Who was Benedict XVI? What were his priorities? Where would he lead the Church? Many people felt they knew him already. For over 20 years he had been the Vatican's 'enforcer', the man responsible for maintaining Church doctrine and correcting error. The words 'conservative' and 'hardline' were used in most media despatches. Many greeted his election with joy and relief for here they felt was a man to continue the legacy of John Paul II. Others reacted with disappointment, fearful that the Church would not move forward and engage with a changing world. In this book, Greg Watts explores the truth behind the myths. He presents an engaging portrait of the pope, showing how he has arrived at where he is today, looking at his beliefs, priorities, interests and style of leadership.